The public is invited to the Schumacher Homestead during the Bluffton Fall Festival on Saturday, September 26 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.
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.
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.
SWISS COMMUNITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 