Who We Are

Bertha Thonen and Betty Henderson started the Arizona Swiss Society in November 1951.  There was an original membership of 36 families, mostly farmers.  The group met about ten times a year to enjoy singing, yodeling and playing cards.

The social club was incorporated in March 1984 as the Arizona Swiss Society, Inc. a non-profit corporation.  The stated goal of the corporation is to maintain and foster traditional Swiss culture and celebrations.  In November 1997 the Arizona Swiss Foundation was set up in parallel and assumed the responsibility for the annual Scholarship program and other charitable and cultural activities.

Over the years the Arizona Swiss Society has grown to over 200 memberships; family, single and corporate.  Members have generously contributed their time and energy to serve as officers and committee members of the organization.  Thoughtful efforts are exerted to cater to the elderly as well as the younger generations. 

As we move forward we encourage the participation of all members to ensure that the Arizona Swiss Society offers the programs you wish to participate in. 

The Arizona Swiss Society is for anyone, not just for those with Swiss genealogy.  While most of our members are Swiss (some are still Swiss citizens), some are friends or spouses of Swiss.  Others are just interested in Swiss history and enjoy the activities and social calendar of the Society.