Christophe Vuilleumier is a historian and board member of the Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Geschichte (Swiss Historical Society). He has published a number of articles on 17th and 20th century Swiss history.
Christophe Vuilleumier11.02.2025Marie Colinet, a Geneva native and pioneer in the field of medicine, made history in the 16th century. She initiated a number of innovative procedures as a midwife and doctor – including Switzerland’s first successful caesarean section.
Christophe Vuilleumier07.01.2025Renée Pellet was the first woman from French-speaking Switzerland to be elected to an executive body in 1960. As deputy mayor of Meyrin, she secured her place in Swiss political history.
Christophe Vuilleumier26.11.2024The rise of Geneva, the home of Calvinism, owed much to the Turrettini family. Arriving there from Tuscany in the 16th century with ready money and access to an international network, they played no small part in buoying the city’s economy.
Christophe Vuilleumier16.01.2024Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was famous in the 17th century for travelling as far as India. The adventurer and author wanted to retire in Aubonne. But his settled life did not last long.
Christophe Vuilleumier08.12.2023Seven of the first 36 federal councillors came from Vaud. And all of them were lawyers. This is not surprising, as jurisprudence was highly valued in the west of Switzerland.
Christophe Vuilleumier09.05.2023For almost seven years, from September 1742 to February 1749, Savoy villages neighbouring the city of Geneva were occupied and troubled by Spanish troops. Although part of the War of the Austrian Succession and therefore the great history of Europe, the occupation has been all but forgotten by historians.
Christophe Vuilleumier25.08.2021In the 18th century, a pirate was up to mischief on Lake Geneva. He scored his biggest coup when he carried off the French King’s war chest.
Christophe Vuilleumier23.07.2021New York-born Hélène de Pourtalès (1868-1945) of Geneva won gold at the 1900 Olympic Games. Largely unknown today, this pioneering yachtswoman paved the way for other women to compete at the Olympics.