Spirits of The Swiss Cemetery Tour
Saturday, August 1st (Volksfest weekend) 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m.
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The Swiss Church Cemetery Committee is hosting two free 60-minute walking tours of the historic Swiss Church Cemetery, in the heart of New Glarus. The tours begin at the Swiss Historical Village Cemetery in front of the log church at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Your 2015 tour guides will present tour number two, highlighting stories of people and local history from the early to mid-1900s. These cemetery tales will reflect on past times both happy and sad. There are inspiring stories as well as tragic ones - but each story will warm your heart and provide a greater appreciation of those who came before us.
The tour has been researched and written by Bob Elmer, with Pioneer Cemetery research by Duane Freitag.
You can register by contacting the Swiss Church at (608) 527-2119 or kristina@swisschurch.org. If walking is difficult, please indicate that when registering. Visitors can also register day of the tour. The event will occur rain or shine.
A free will donation will be accepted and all proceeds will go to support the maintenance of the cemetery. You don’t want to miss this!
The First Cemetery in New Glarus, known as the Pioneer Cemetery, was established in 1845. It was not until 1859 that the Swiss Reformed Church, now known as the “Swiss United Church of Christ,” took over the care of the cemetery and all the burials. While the Swiss Church cemetery has grown to include the EUB (Evangelical United Brethren) Cemetery and the 10-acres currently being used, it is still maintained by the staff and volunteers of the Swiss United Church of Christ. It is a community cemetery for our historic village of New Glarus and thus opened to all denominations and ethnicities. It serves churches in and around the area and families that have lived here a short while or all their lives. It has rich history and is a critical part of this beautifully close-knit community. The upkeep, preservation and tender care of these 10-acres of memorialized grounds needs the community it serves to ensure its sanctity for years to come. Tax-deductible donations are welcome and can be sent to: Swiss Church Cemetery, 18 5th Avenue, PO Box 97, New Glarus, WI 53574-0097.
