The Swiss National Hero of Liberty is Wilhelm Tell made famous by the German poet Friedrich von Schiller. Bigger than life with his son displayed in the Altdorf statue above, there is reasonable doubt whether Wilhelm Tell ever has lived at all.

Does it matter? The very legend of Tell continues to hold enormous influence in Switzerland and among those of Swiss roots in North America.

A real Swiss native played a role in the the early formation of the United States. Albert Gallatin was born in Geneva in 1761, He came to Massachusetts in 1780 where he learned to love his new country and work for its freedom.

While best known as the longest-serving Secretary of the Treasury in our nation's history (13 years), Gallatin’s career as public servant had long lasting impact.


















Today, Gallatin comes alive in the form of historical actor Ronald Duquette (middle). He is with Beth Zurbuchen, President Swiss Center of North America and Jim Scherrer, CEO International Bundesbrief Society of Exton, PA.

Watch historical re-enactor, Ron Duquette bring Gallatin’s story to life

Switzerland's Four Languages

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Benvenuti, Bund dì, Allegra, Bainvegni, Bagnnia, Grüezi, Grüessech, Sali, Grüess Gott...

All means welcome, hello and hi.

It's much easier to read the directional signposts that you find all over the land of four languages--and many more dialects!

Verstehen Sie Schweizerdeutsch?
not enough yet on Swiss German.

How about this on-line Quiz?!?!



Click here if you dare.

Swiss Center Swiss Roots Design
America's First Lady Michele Obama wore Swiss lace during the first inaugural.

Isabel Toledo designed the new world-famous lemongrass-yellow coat and sheath dress made of Swiss wool lace. She had been working with the manufacturer of the lace, St. Gallen, Switzerland-based Forster Rohner, nearly 20 years before designing this dress.

Swiss design. It is amazing.

You know you're Swiss IF...
When you say you are Swiss, does the other person say "Sweden"

Do you get asked about living in the mountains and whether you can yodel--or play the alp horn?

Then perhaps you know you are Swiss!! Check it out.