SCHUMACHER HOMESTEAD
MUSEUM AND SWISS HERITAGE CENTER / 8350 Bixel Rd. / 567-387-9208
WHAT’S NEW AT THE SCHUMACHER HOMESTEAD
Heritage Center ribbon cutting & Christmas Open House
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5-6





The Swiss Community Historical Society invites the public to celebrate a special milestone during its Annual Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 5, with the official ribbon cutting of its new $1.2 million Swiss Heritage Center.
The celebration will bring together the community to mark the completion of this significant addition to the Schumacher Homestead and recognize the many donors, volunteers, and community members whose generosity and support made the project possible.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
The Schumacher House and grounds will be open for visitors from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Guests are then invited to gather at the new Swiss Heritage Center at 4:30 p.m. for the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Open house activities will resume at from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Following the ceremony, the celebration will continue with a Smoked Pork Chop Dinner at 5:00 p.m., catered by Ted’s Market of Pandora. Dinner tickets are available at Ted’s Market, The Black Lab Trading Co., World Goods Et Cetera, and Polished. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 567-387-9208.
The Christmas Open House will offer something for visitors of all ages. Guests can explore the beautifully decorated historic Schumacher House and grounds, enjoy seasonal music and refreshments, and tour the new Swiss Heritage Center. Children will have the opportunity to try their hand at making a traditional hand-dipped candle,
create a Christmas craft, and enjoy a special visit from Father Christmas.
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
The celebration continues on Sunday, December 6, from 2:00–6:00 p.m., when both the Schumacher Homestead and the new Swiss Heritage Center will once again be open to the public.
HERITAGE CENTER INVESTMENT
The $1.2 million Swiss Heritage Center represents an important investment in preserving and sharing the area’s Swiss heritage. The new facility provides expanded space for historical exhibits, educational programming, artifact preservation, and community gatherings, helping ensure that the stories and traditions of earlier generations will continue to inspire future generations.
The Swiss Community Historical Society welcomes the public to be part of this special weekend of history, heritage, and community celebration. For more information call Neil Allen at 567-387-9208 or email directorschs@gmail.com.
Homestead Tours
The Schumacher Homestead offers a glimpse into the lives of Swiss immigrants in an area of Allen and Putnam counties known as the Settlement during the mid 19th century. Contact Neil Allen at least one week in advance at 567-387-9208 or email directorschs@gmail.com to schedule a tour.

Scenes from 2025 events
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Swiss Heritage Center
NEW: Visit the Swiss Heritage Center, a repurposed timber-frame barn previously located on the Dan and Cindy Basinger Farm. The center is heated and air-conditioned and includes a large event space, classroom, artifact storage space, and public restrooms. For rental information, contact Neil Allen at 567-387-9208 or email directorschs@gmail.com











