In journalistic video interviews, contemporary witnesses and their descendants recount personal and family experiences with past pandemics in Switzerland – from the «Spanish flu» (1918–1920) to the «Asian flu» (1957) and the «Hong Kong flu» (1968–1970). Their personal perspective brings history to life and helps to close gaps in collective memory.
The videos are subtitled in various languages.
Annette Leimgruber recalls her family's experiences during the «Spanish flu» in Moutier in 1918.
Dorothee Meili remembers how her family experienced the outbreak of «Spanish flu» in Basel in 1918.
Ulrich Castelberg recalls the «Asian flu» in Biel in 1957/58.
Christine Werner remembers the «Asian flu» in Toggenburg in 1957.
Verena Lilljeqvist remembers the outbreak of the «Asian flu» in 1957.
Alfred Muggli and Martin Röthlisberger were both working as family doctors in Arosa during the «Hong Kong flu» epidemic of 1968/69. They recall that time.
Matthieu Leimgruber contextualizes the videos commemorating historical pandemics.
An overview of three pandemics and the memories they have left behind. Contemporary witnesses recount forgotten pandemics in Switzerland: drawing on their own experiences and family stories passed down through the generations.
Witness interviews on historical pandemics (Switzerland)