Our History

A member's Society savings passbook, 1963–1964 — from the archives.

The Arizona Swiss Society was founded in November 1951 by Bertha Thonen and Betty Henderson, who brought together 36 founding families — most of them farmers — for evenings of singing, yodeling, and cards roughly ten times a year. What began as a close-knit circle of Swiss families in Phoenix has grown into a vibrant community spanning generations.

For over 70 years, the Society has served as a home away from home — connecting newly arrived Swiss expatriates, second-generation Swiss-Americans, and friends who share a love of Swiss culture.

In March 1984, the group formally incorporated as the Arizona Swiss Society, Inc., a non-profit corporation dedicated to maintaining and fostering traditional Swiss culture and celebrations. In November 1997, the Arizona Swiss Foundation was established as a sister organization to carry the annual scholarship program forward, along with other charitable and cultural activities.

Today the Society counts more than 200 memberships — family, single, and corporate — sustained by members who generously volunteer their time as officers and committee members, with thoughtful attention paid to welcoming both our elder members and the younger generation.

Our annual events — the Spring Picnic, the 1st of August Celebration, the Fall Fest, the Christmas Party, and the Annual Meeting — remain cherished traditions that bring families together year after year. It has become a tradition to donate Toys for Tots at the Christmas Party.

The Arizona Swiss Society welcomes anyone with an interest in Swiss culture — not only those with Swiss ancestry. While most of our members are Swiss (some still Swiss citizens), others are friends or spouses of Swiss members, or simply people drawn to Swiss history and our social calendar. We encourage every member to help shape the programs and activities the Society offers.