SCHUMACHER HOMESTEAD
MUSEUM AND SWISS HERITAGE CENTER / 8350 Bixel Rd. / 567-387-9208
WHAT’S NEW AT THE SCHUMACHER HOMESTEAD
Schumacher Homestead plans a farm full of 2026 Fall Fest activities

The public is invited to the Schumacher Homestead during the Bluffton Fall Festival on Saturday, September 26Â from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m..
The new Heritage Center will be open with demonstrators and exhibits, and the farmhouse, workshop, summer kitchen and barn will be busy with activities. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. The homestead is located at 8350 Bixel Road, between Bluffton and Pandora,
DEMONSTRATIONS INCLUDE
| Cooper Blacksmith Tinsmith Trappers Victorian Make-dos | Wood carver Artist Ancient Native Tools Basket weaver |
Food will be available beginning at 11:00 a.m. Volunteers will make popcorn over a fire and serve soup and sandwiches. Visitors can enjoy bread, Swiss cheese, apple butter, and cider. Swiss cheese and cheddar will be for sale, some smoked in the homestead’s smokehouse.
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Children of all ages may participate in games, corn shelling, and look at farm animals. A straw maze will be set up, and horse-and-wagon rides will be available.
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Music will be performed throughout the day. Docents will be on hand to share information with visitors.
ABOUT THE HOMESTEAD
The Swiss Community Historical Society honors and preserves the history of the Bluffton-Pandora area. The society owns and operates the Schumacher Homestead and Swiss Heritage Center.
The Schumacher house was built in 1843 and was acquired in 1968 by the historical society. The house has been completely renovated, a project that began in 2004. The Swiss Heritage Center is a converted Swiss Settlement barn that was originally located on the farm of Dan and Cindy Basinger. This project was completed in 2026.
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 567-387-9208 or email directorschs@gmail.com

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











