The Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C., was honored to host the opening reception of the Swiss American Historical Society’s (SAHS) Centennial Banners exhibition at the Residence of the Ambassador, officially launching its nationwide tour.
Founded in Chicago in 1927, the Swiss American Historical Society has spent nearly a century preserving and promoting the history of Swiss immigration to North America, strengthening Swiss-American relations, and documenting the many contributions of Swiss and Swiss-Americans to American society. The Centennial Banners exhibition celebrates this legacy by showcasing key milestones, remarkable individuals, and the Society’s impact over the past century. New members are always welcome to join!
Held in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States, the event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, academia, cultural institutions, the Swiss-American community, and friends of Switzerland for an evening of history, dialogue, and celebration.
By highlighting the achievements and lasting contributions of Swiss immigrants and Swiss-Americans across fields including science, business, public service, education, and the arts, the exhibition illustrated the depth of the longstanding relationship between Switzerland and the United States. It also underscored the enduring value of people-to-people connections and cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties.
Following its launch at the Residence, the Centennial Banners exhibition will continue its journey to communities across the United States, bringing the shared history of Switzerland and America to new audiences and fostering a greater appreciation of the many ways Swiss-Americans have helped shape the nation’s past and present.
Discover its upcoming destinations and find out when it will be coming to a city near you:
July 18 – September 10, 2026 – Steak Frites, DC | 1324 H St NE, Washington, DC January 2027 – Swiss Park Hall (Aelpler Gruppe Swiss Club) | 5911 Mowry Avenue, Newark, California February 2027 – Sacramento History Museum | 101 I Street, Old Sacramento, California March 2027 – Switzerland County Historical Museum | 208 E Market Street, Vevay, Indiana April 2027 – Laurel County Historical Society | 310 W. 3rd Street, London, Kentucky May 2027 – Swiss Center of North America | 507 Durst Road, New Glarus, Wisconsin June 2027 – The Germanic-American Institute | 301 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota July 2027 – Swiss Community Historical Society | 8350 Bixel Road, Bluffton, Ohio August 2027 – Tryon Palace / North Carolina History Center | 529 S. Front St., New Bern, North Carolina September 2027 – Helvetia Community Hall | Helvetia Road (County Road 46), Helvetia, West Virginia October 2027 – Conrad Sulzer Regional Library | 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Illinois November 2027 – Tell City Historical Society & Museum | 548 9th Street, Tell City, Indiana December 2027 – Olney Public Library | 400 W. Main Street, Olney, Illinois
Interview with Thomas Quinn Marabello, President of the Swiss American Historical Society:
