Coming Home to Schleitheim
500th Anniversary of the Schleitheim Confession
Join us for a unique commemorative event honoring the Schleitheim Confession on July 3 and 4, 2027
Supported by:
What is the Schleitheim Confession?
In 1527, the Schleitheim Confession was drawn up at a secret meeting. It comprises seven articles describing how the Anabaptists of the time wished to organise the life of their community.
Its principles, including non-violence, influenced generations and shaped freedom of opinion and conscience for centuries. The author was most likely Michael Sattler, who had previously worked with the Zurich reformer Huldrych Zwingli.
The leather-bound Schleitheim Confession, which is on display in the Village History Museum, is said to be one of only four copies of the first prints still in existence. It was bought at auction on the initiative of Willi Bächtold, the former president of the Schleitheim Historical Society, and was the impetus for the Baptist room in the museum.
Links to modern-day Schleitheim
Over a period of around 150 years, many people from Schleitheim and surrounding towns and villages, including Beggingen, Hallau, Merishausen were persecuted by the Schaffhausen authorities because of their beliefs. They were fined, imprisoned, dispossessed and ultimately expelled - unimaginable in Switzerland today. The minutes of the Schaffhausen council during this period have been preserved and provide a detailed account of events of the time.
Many Schleitheim families were fined, dispossessed, and expelled because of their beliefs.
(Photo: Uli Stamm, Schleitheim)
Experience history up close at the original sites
The 500th anniversary of the Schleitheim Confession is to be marked with an event attended by local families, who will be joined by visitors from Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Canada and the United States. With an interest in history and in particular Schleitheim’s important role in the Anabaptist story, they will come together and - despite their different cultures and beliefs - share and connect, creating lasting friendships.
Get to know people from other countries and make a valuable contribution to preserving Schleitheim’s legacy.
The goal of the commemorative event is to bring history to life and provide impetus for a future-oriented society.
The event will take place from July 3-4, 2027.
What you can expect
1. Theater
2. History talks
3. Cultural exhibition
4. Historical exhibition
5. Cultural evening
6. Festival grounds with family activities
Digital illustration / conceptual representation
Why is this event important?
There is little to no awareness among people living here today of the Schleitheim Confession or the history of persecution of many local families.
Although the treatment of the Anabaptists is an important chapter in canton Schaffhausen’s history, there is still no visible, contemporary form of remembrance in Schleitheim. Especially in the world we live in today there is a need for remembrance and critical reflection.
The anniversary event is intended to fill this gap, strengthening the local culture of remembrance and creating a public space for debate, dialogue and mediation - particularly for younger generations.
Monument
In addition to the commemorative event, we believe there is a need for a permanent monument in the village that will anchor the memory of the turmoil 500 years ago in the collective consciousness of the public, long after the anniversary of the Schleitheim Confession has ended. Visitors from abroad often express their desire to see such a memorial in the village. A new, singular monument will create visibility and continuity - making local history more accessible. Particularly in the current climate of global uncertainty and the erosion of democracy, such a place can play a central role in fostering a culture of remembrance and historical accountability.
(Image: Uli Stamm, Schleitheim)
What do we want to achieve?
The commemorative event ‘500 Years of the Schleitheim Confession’ will address gaps in existing historical knowledge. It will transform the past into a living, dialogue-oriented experience and strengthen the awareness of peaceful coexistence, cross-border understanding, the protection of minorities and social cohesion. This unique event will bring together people from all walks of life, cultures and countries to create a lasting impact.
Dramatic re-enactments and the exhibition “The Anabaptist Families of the Schleitheim Valley” will demonstrate that achievements such as peace, human rights and pluralistic coexistence cannot be taken for granted. They show that social cohesion and stability require active civic engagement – both now and in the past.
The event will shine a light on little-known but formative events from the history of the Schleitheim Valley, breathing life into local history, strengthening a sense of identity and community.
The anniversary events and the memorial will encourage new forms of dialogue, promoting encounters that transcend cultural and national boundaries while strengthening local cohesion.
Schleitheim will become a place where history connects people and builds bridges – including for visitors from abroad for whom the Schleitheim Confession holds great significance.
Through engaging, interactive activities, the event will specifically appeal to younger generations. It will foster critical thinking, empathy and the courage to draw on historical experiences to address current and future societal challenges.
In combination with the monument, the event will ensure that the memory of the past is firmly anchored in the public sphere.
The commemorative event will give impetus to initiatives that extend beyond the anniversary itself to lay the foundation for further educational and cultural programmes.
(Image: Uli Stamm, Schleitheim)
How do we achieve this?
The commemorative event is being organised by a broad-based committee in close collaboration with local associations, institutions and volunteers. The public was informed at an early stage and is actively involved – via the project website, regional media, public appeals, presentations and community networks.
All those involved are working on a voluntary basis. Any net profit will be returned in full to the participating associations, in proportion to their level of involvement.
Wide-ranging activities
Visitors can look forward to a varied programme during the event, featuring six different kinds of activities that will appeal to people of all ages on different levels:
A variety of experiences:
Festival grounds with a family trail – a great experience for young and old
Cultural evening with music and singing
Reenactments along the Anabaptist Trail – a series of theatrical performances at mysterious, historic locations
Special exhibition “The Anabaptist Families of the Schleitheim Valley”, focusing on local families such as the Bächtolds, Hess, Pletschers...
Cultural exhibition offering a variety of perspectives
Specialist talks on the current state of research regarding the Schleitheim Confession and its remarkable impact to this day
Preserving the memory
The memory will remain alive long after the event: the monument will create a permanent place of remembrance.
Thanks to its distinctive design and location next to the old schoolhouse, it will invite people to take a moment to pause, reflect and learn.
As a meeting place and starting point for the educational and outreach programmes of the Täuferweg (Anabaptist Trail) and the Schleitheimertal Museum.
It will ensure that the examination of history continues well into the future – as a contribution to a vibrant culture of remembrance and to raising awareness of historical accountability, democracy and human rights.
Digital illustration / conceptual representation
Who’s interested?
Village residents
Village residents
Opportunity for inspiring encounters
History enthusiasts
Chance to discover more about the past
Delegations of Swiss Anabaptist groups/societies
To experience the magic of the original locations...
Registration is required in order to accomodate the vast numbers of delegations as Schleitheim is a small community.
International Anabaptist groups (Canada, USA, Germany, Netherlands...)
To experience Schleitheim...
Registration is required in order to accomodate the vast numbers of delegations as Schleitheim is a small community.
Event Objectives
A place for peace, dialogue and understanding
This commemorative event will provide an open forum for encounters and exchanges. At a time of global crises, it promotes respectful dialogue, mutual understanding and shared commitment – across cultural and national boundaries.
Everyone is invited – locals and visitors
The commemorative event brings together people from the canton of Schaffhausen and from around the world. Through a variety of interactive activities and cultural programs, it encourages active participation and commemorates the drafting of the Seven Articles of the Schleitheim Confession at their historic birthplace.
Experience shared history – strengthen community spirit
Exploring the events that took place in the Schleitheim Valley 500 years ago brings history to life. It encourages us to reflect on our origins, identity and sense of community, and brings locals and visitors together through a shared past.
An enduring impact
The event is intended to have an impact beyond the anniversary itself. It will provide lasting impetus for dialogue, remembrance and understanding, and will establish Schleitheim in the long term as a historically and intellectually significant place during the turmoil of the Reformation.
Discover the event highlights
Live Performances
Experience captivating performances that bring the story of the 16th-century Anabaptists to life — with authentic costumes and compelling storytelling.
Expert Panels
Join historians and theologians in talks to discuss the legacy of the Schleitheim Confession and its significance today.
Cultural Activities
Join in a community celebration featuring music, exhibitions, children’s activities, and food and drink.
Monument
“Schleitheimer Himmelsleiter”
Schleitheim’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’
Design conceived by the Schleitheim Heritage Association for a monument commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Schleitheim Confession.
One of the earliest sketches of the Schlaatemer Himmelsleiter,
here shown with a group of visitors
Newspaper reports
(automatically translated, download pdf)
Funding
The monument is intended to be funded largely by sponsors.
DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED
Digital illustration / representative image
Support this event!
Become a sponsor and support this important and unique historic event!
Initiator
The Schleitheim Association for Local History works to promote and preserve local cultural heritage and historical knowledge. The association was founded in 1889.
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