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 main sponsors:
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.
The history of the Anabaptists is not merely a general history of the Reformation, but also a history of families and villages. Fathers and mothers, children and grandparents, house churches and village communities—all of whom had to suffer severe consequences for their beliefs.
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, created using AI
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, created using AI
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.
Registration Status (June 2026):
27 people from Canada (including 1 tour group)
40 people from the U.S. (including 1 tour group)
4 people from Australia
For simultaneous translation of spoken content within the event, we will subscribe to an online app.
A private SmartPhone and headphones are required for use via Wi-Fi.
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
“Schleitheim's Ladder 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
500th Memorial Events, 2027
Personal thoughts about it
For the past 40-50 years USA Hess Historians searched to define their Swiss roots of 1500-1700. For many years our hired specialized historian, Anne, read scores of old primary source documents. Finally in 2025 Hess Historians became convinced by a 99.9% conclusion that Schleitheim is our prime Swiss site. For me personally, as one who chooses the Anabaptist (Taufer) faith, this news is especially satisfying for it is the home of the Schleitheim Confession of Faith, written in 1527. Best of all, it is exciting that many will celebrate the 500th with community folks.
- Joanne Hess Siegrist of Bird In Hand PA, Chair of Hess Historians
Joanne Hess Siegrist - Photo taken
for Der Bund at International Event
at Stadium of Langnau, Switzerland.
July 30, 2007 for Täuferjahr07
500th Memorial Events, 2027
Personal thoughts about it
I grew up in a New Order Amish home with parents who spoke of Switzerland as their homeland. My first language is Pennsylvania Deutsch, and I was taught basic high German phonics in Sunday School. For church services, I used German songbooks, singing the Lobleid, Lebt Friedsam, and other German hymns in slow unison. Prayers were read in High German from the Old Swiss Prayer Book. In church services and for home devotions, the Martin Luther Bible was used.
Through the years my mother shared many interesting ancestral stories about Strong Jakob Joder/Yoder, born in Guggisburg, and Moses Peachey/Beachey/Bitsche/Butschi, born in the Jura mountains. Her parents are both descendants of two gentlemen.
Later as a young adult, I joined the Mennonite church and today I personally honor the generational, spiritual principles of both the Amish and Mennonite culture, while adapting to life in a modern society.
After marriage when my oldest daughter, Kali, a Leukemia survivor, was gifted a Make-A-Wish trip to Switzerland, I personally was surprised to learn how easy it was to navigate driving and find ancestral places in the Berner Oberland and the Emmental Valley.
Upon returning back to the USA, some of my close friends asked for me to take them to Switzerland, and with those special requests I soon became a Swiss tour guide with the specialty to bring groups that fit in a nine passenger van, or to have 2 drivers. Always I seek to help my guests to find their ancestral homes, see areas of Anabaptist church history, and to experience authentic Swiss culture.
September 2025 a prime highlight for me was to take my 85-year-old Amish father, a minister in the New Order Amish Church in Sarasota, FL, on tour to Switzerland and next I have 2 tours scheduled for September 2026. Best of all, when I learned of the Schleitheim 500 Year Celebration I immediately booked a large, nearby Airbnb to host my upcoming tour group there. Indeed I already have Amish relatives and Mennonite friends interested in attending… and if my father, Thomas Peachey and stepmother Irene, are well enough, they will be in attendance.
- Orpha Peachey of Grottoes VA
Orpha Peachey of Grottoes VA
Website download (pdf)
Newspaper reports
(automatically translated, download pdf)
Funding
The monument is intended to be funded largely by sponsors.
DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED
Digital illustration, created using AI
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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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