Our Mission:   
     To unite those people interested in the history of Switzerland County, Indiana, and the surrounding region for its protection, preservation, and promotion to the public.

   Switzerland County, Indiana was first settled in the 1790’s with local history crediting one Heathcoat Pickett as the first settler.  Picket was soon followed by the Cotton and Dickason families, part of a tide of new residents primarily from Virginia and Kentucky.
            The names Switzerland County with the county seat of Vevay originate with a group of Swiss settlers form the parish of Montreux.  These new residents led by John Dufour petitioned the US Congress to purchase land on credit and were permitted to purchase some 2500 acres for the purpose of establishing wine production.
            In 1813 the original town of Vevay was platted and in 1814 the County of Switzerland was created form parts of Dearborn and Jefferson counties. At the height of production as much as twelve thousand gallons of wine was produced. With the passing of the first generation of Swiss and with more profitable agricultural enterprises to pursue the county took on a more typical agricultural lifestyle and by the late 1800’s grape production and vanished as an enterprise.
            Switzerland County and its river towns such as Vevay, Patriot, Lamb and Markland continued to thrive on diverse agricultural production and river commerce.
            This is a just a brief introduction to the history of our county, our people and our communities.  There is much, much more, from the Native American’s who lived here before any of this to our contributions to our nations wars there is much to be remembered and preserved.
             
           In pursuit of our mission we undertake a variety of educational programs, special exhibits and preservation projects.  Central are our three museum properties.  The Switzerland County Historical Museum and the “Life on the Ohio” River History Museum display and preserve a great variety of artifacts and documents and are currently open to the public.  Our Agricultural Museum Center is under development and is open to groups or individuals by appointment. 

          The Switzerland County Historical Society relies largely on membership dues to fund operating expenses and pursues grants and community funding for special projects.

July 1st - August 31st

Switzerland County Unfurled

Flags from our museum collection

Read more about the flag exhibit HERE

Free Admission July 4th & 5th

Membership & Benefits

     Benefits include yearbook and quarterly newsletters, monthly programs, annual six-county picnic, special events such as conservator's holiday, free admission to the museums, 10% at the gift shop, volunteer opportunities annual dinner in November and the knowledge that you are supporting our mission to preserve, protect and promote the history of Switzerland County.

     Persons with ancestors who settled in Switzerland County prior to 1855 are eligible for special membership. Send SASE to Society for application.

Click HERE for printable membership form