Noëmi Crain Merz28.08.2025In the summer of 1940, German press attaché Georg Trump attempted to silence critical voices within the Swiss press. Staging a fightback, the country’s newspaper editors found themselves caught between the opposing forces of neutrality and accommodation.
Anne Hasselmann12.08.2025The collection store of the museum in Grenchen holds a mysterious package dating back to the Cold War era. Its contents ‒ unused certificates of entitlement to food ration cards ‒ show how Switzerland was preparing for a much-feared war in the 1960s.
Dominik Landwehr17.07.2025On 19 July 1944, a stricken American bomber crashed into Wyden Castle near Ossingen, the home of Max Huber, professor of international law at Zurich University and president of the Red Cross.
Murielle Schlup08.05.2025Jegenstorf Castle was used as a command post by General Henri Guisan during the last months of the Second World War. Performances by the local all-female choir provided him with some welcome relief from his military duties.
Günther Meier29.04.2025Towards the end of the Second World War there was a growing influx of displaced people crossing into Switzerland and Liechtenstein, where aid was provided by volunteers. Among those helping out was Princess Gina. This experience would inspire her to found the Liechtenstein Red Cross.
James Blake Wiener24.04.2025The Battle of Bicocca marked a turning point during the long Italian Wars (1494-1559). The inability of the French to control their Swiss mercenaries contributed to their loss, while the success of Spanish arquebusiers signaled the rise of Spain as a major European power. The battle additionally heralds the end of the era in which Swiss pikemen were the scourge of the medieval European battlefield.
Noëmi Crain Merz17.04.2025In the early 20th century, Benito Mussolini caused a stir in Switzerland as a rebellious socialist. Some decades later, he became a threat to the country as a fascist dictator.
Géraldine Lysser17.12.2024Marshal 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.
