The First American Diplomatic Representative

Commemoration plaque in Basel. Photo: TES.

29 January 2019

John Godfrey Boker (1794-1860) was the first American Consul-General in Switzerland. He assumed his post in Basel in 1830. The Swiss government had already sent honorary consuls to Washington and New York in 1822. The first American Ambassador presented his credentials in 1853 (seat in Bern). John Boker established his residence in the building known … Read more » “The First American Diplomatic Representative”

The Languages of Switzerland

The division of Switzerland in Roman provinces, second century. Fondation Gianadda, Martigny. Photo: TES.

29 November 2018

Celts, Romans, Alemann: the names are familiar in Switzerland. The exhibition  ’Archaeology in Switzerland’ gives an overview of their history. The Celtic tribes spoke the same language and shared the same (religious) culture. The Romans brought unity in language, law, culture, political system and economy, a process called romanisation nowadays. However, this unity was rather … Read more » “The Languages of Switzerland”

International Rhine Regulation and Rhesi in Widnau

Der Vorderrhein bei Versam-Valendas. Foto: TES.

20 September 2018

The Rhine from the confluence of the Anterior Rhine (Vorderrhein) and Posterior Rhine (Hinterrhein) rivers near Reichenau in Tamins  (Grisons) to its confluence with Lake Constance is known as the Alpine Rhine or the longest torrent in Europe. The most devastating flood occurred in 1817. Other floods are recorded in 1888, 1927, 1954 and 1987 and, … Read more » “International Rhine Regulation and Rhesi in Widnau”