FHA-STE

The Memoria Mennonitica association was founded on September 27, 2005, to raise funds and acquire other assets, thereby enabling the creation of a Research and Documentation Centre which would be responsible for promoting and preserving Switzerland’s Anabaptist-Mennonite heritage, particularly for the purposes of research and study.

Michel Ummel and Hans-Rudolf Lavater were the driving forces behind this very important initiative. As its recognized “spiritual fathers,” they deserve our deepest gratitude. The Anabaptist Heritage Foundation was established in February 2024 thanks to numerous and generous donations, not only in kind, notably from the Memoria Mennonitica association, but also in cash.

The objectives of the Memoria Mennonitica association having been achieved, it was dissolved on March 28, 2026, with the remaining assets transferred to the Anabaptist Heritage Foundation, which is itself tax-exempt due to its public-benefit status and pursues the same or a similar purpose as the association. We would like to take this opportunity to once again express our deepest gratitude to all members of the Memoria Mennonitica association for their generosity and the dedication they have shown to promoting and preserving the Anabaptist-Mennonite heritage.

Discovering moving History: The Cyclone of 1926
The exhibition presents the disaster of the cyclone, which a hundred years ago, on June 12, 1926, touched the area between La Chaux-de-Fonds and La Chaux-des-Breuleux. On the basis of various newspaper articles and a series of postcards, the extent of this disaster can be appreciated.

Anabaptist in the Jura
Also, on display are parts of the 2025 exhibition on the Anabaptists in the Jura, which illustrates the arrival in the heights of the Jura: their settlement in remote farms throughout the area, the development of a community life as well as agricultural and craft skills.

Anabaptist Arts
As a special highlight we present works of art by Jean-Pierre Gerber, who celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year and specializes in the processing of wood from Jura fir. The works of art are on display indoors and outdoors.
Also featured are engravings by Simon Gerber, a musician who spent his childhood in the Jura.

To mark the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement, the Swiss Anabaptist Heritage Foundation is hosting an exhibition at the Jeanguisboden chapel, focusing on the Anabaptists in the Jura. The exhibition highlights the daily lives of these communities and their connection to faith through crafts and art.

Location: Jeanguisboden Chapel (Le Jeanguisboden 52, 2720 La Tanne)
Duration: May 10 to November 2 2025
Opening event: May 10, 2025, from 16:00h

Opening times and admission rates
Opening times: Wed / Sat / Sun: 14:00-17:00h; Fri: 17:00-20:00h
Admission rates: CHF 10.-, children free.
Guided group tours on request.
Guided tours of the archives on request, CHF 5.- per person.

More information

The Memoria Mennonitica Association was founded in 2005 with the aim of preserving and promoting the Anabaptist Mennonite cultural heritage. This goal is now also being pursued by the newly established Anabaptist Heritage Foundation (of which Memoria Mennonitica is one of the Foundation supporter, see News from 29.02.24).
At the general meeting on November 29, 2024, it was decided to dissolve the association by the end of 2025 at the latest. The current members of the association are invited to join the Circle of Friends of the Anabaptist Heritage Foundation.

Since 2018, retired pastor and former rector of the Bern Ecclesiastical Theological Church, Dr. Ulrich J. Gerber, has been managing a private Anabaptist museum in Renan with numerous objects relating to the history and art of the Anabaptist Mennonite movement. He now wants to bequeath these historical objects to the Anabaptist Heritage Foundation. Ulrich J. erber comes from an old Mennonite family and has been intensively involved in researching Anabaptist history throughout his life.
The Foundation Board is delighted that Ulrich J. Gerber intends to hand over his valuable collection to the Foundation.