Fund Est. 1996
The Swiss Heritage Village established their endowed fund in 1996 at the time for an attractive $1 for $1 Lilly match. Then, this grew in 2025 with additional contributions from a local fundraiser and matches with Lilly endowment challenges. This endowed fund will ensure support is provided to Swiss Heritage Village annually.
The Swiss Heritage Village and Museum was chartered in 1985 and as reported on their website, is the largest outdoor museum in Northern Indiana. The26 acres renders the rural life of Swiss Settlers through its preservation of the 1800s historic village, which holds original structures such as the largest 1800s Cider Press, the one room brick Yager School House, the Civil War era Luginbill Farmhouse, Dr. Sprungers office, a Pioneer Log Cabin, the Hartman Cheese house, the Werling Sawmill and the Baumgartner Church build circa 1860 by the First Mennonite fellowship in Indiana. In addition to the village, the Swiss Heritage Village also has trails that weave through the woods and wetlands.
The Swiss Heritage Village is further supported by two generous contributors: James E. Luginbill and Carl Yoder. James E. Luginbill was a three time Mayor of Portland in Jay County, Indiana. Jim had been an advocate for community foundations as he was so familiar with great things being produced by the foundation in Jay County, Jim was an active member with the development of the ACCF. Jim was one of the early members and treasurer of the Adams County Community Foundation and was named a director emeritus of the Foundation in 1998.
Carl Yoder retired and moved back to Adams County where he had lived for 20 years. He enjoyed gardening, reading, and wood carving. He also has had the time to research his family's genealogy. With a name such as Yoder, it was to Switzerland where he traveled to learn more about his family history. Serving on the board of the Friends of the Limberlost, Carl established this designated endowed fund to provide on-going support for two local non-profits: Friends of the Limberlost and Swiss Heritage Village.
Because of the support from many local contributions and individuals like James Luginbill and Carl Yoder, Adams County youth and residents can continue to appreciate the 1800s lifestyle of our area's ancestors.
The ACCF is proud to partner with Swiss Heritage Village, Jim Luginbill, and Carl Yoder for the support of this unique and notable museum in Adams County.