Géraldine Lysser

Géraldine Lysser

Géraldine Lysser studied history and business administration and works in communications at the Swiss National Museum.

O Christmas tree: the history of tree stands

Géraldine Lysser 23.12.2025 Often unseen, but rich in history: Christmas tree stands show how practical necessity spawned a wealth of innovation – from the wooden cross, to cast iron stands and the clamping technique.
Sale of Christmas trees in Zurich, 1971.

A royal exhibitionist

Géraldine Lysser 25.09.2025 Dutch king Willem III came to Switzerland on several occasions. But one particular sojourn by Lake Geneva in 1875 led to uproar when the king repeatedly exposed himself in public.
Did King Willem III really appear on the balcony like this? Illustration by Marco Heer.

Internationally coordinated glacier measurements: a lofty challenge

Géraldine Lysser 04.03.2025 Internationally coordinated glacier observation originated in Switzerland. Maintaining glacier measurements proved difficult during the two world wars. However, Paul-Louis Mercanton from Switzerland kept the research work going amidst the global turmoil.
Glacier changes have been documented since the 19th century. Illustration by Marco Heer.

Donning skis and snowsuits to fight the Red Army

Géraldine Lysser 17.12.2024 Marshal Carl Gustaf Mannerheim led tiny Finland’s stand in several wars against the Goliath that was the Soviet Union, earning him considerable admiration among the Swiss.
Commander-in-chief and unifying figure: Carl Gustaf Mannerheim. The picture was taken in 1943 while he was convalescing in Switzerland.