Marilyn Umurungi18.06.2026Bernese chemist Gertrud Woker was one of the first women in Europe to research the deadly effect of poison gases. She campaigned throughout her life to prevent the results of her research being used on the battlefield. An object of admiration and derision, Gertrud Woker was ahead of her time.
James Blake Wiener28.04.2026The life of Rachel Félix was one of contrasting fortunes and artistic passions. Born into a family of impoverished Jewish peddlers in Mumpf, Rachel captivated theater-going audiences from New York to Moscow with her electric acting and stirring voice. She revived the fortunes of the Comédie-Française in Paris and received universal acclaim as the leading actress of her era before dying tragically of tuberculosis at the age of 36.
Noemi Steuerwald21.04.2026The Scout and Guide Movement is one of Switzerland’s biggest youth associations. It is open to both boys and girls who mix freely as members of one organisation, but it wasn’t always like that.
Franziska Rogger12.03.2026A landlady from Bern asked for Albert Einstein’s help in taking action against an ex-tenant who had not paid rent. The prominent scientist did not rest until justice was done.
Michael van Orsouw24.02.2026Franziska Dosenbach from the canton of Aargau was a pioneering footwear retailer who dared to turn her back on the traditional shoemaking and saddlery trade. Instead, she sold simple, factory-made shoes ‒ with resounding success.
Cristina Gutbrod25.12.2025Gustav Gull made a double portrait of himself and his wife Lydia for the façade of the National Museum in Zurich. The reliefs were not the only architectural declarations of love made by the star Zurich architect to his wife.
Franziska Rogger02.12.2025She was one of the country’s first natural science professors and he shaped social policy in Switzerland: Irma and Hans Peter Tschudi-Steiner reached the top of their respective professions – all while staying humble.
Nadja Ackermann25.11.2025During times of political unrest – especially during the two world wars – state censors monitored private as well as military correspondence. They made no attempt to hide their actions.
