Carnegie museum announces Heritage Farm for January

The Carnegie Historical Museum has announced the Heritage Farm of the month for January 2023. The farm is owned by the Switzer Family with Mary Switzer, 98 years old, being the current owner.

This farm has been in the family for 180 years. The Switzer farm is the oldest in Jefferson County and and is located in Buchanan Township.

First generation, David Switzer was born near Hampstead, Maryland in 1815.

Homesteaded in 1843.

1st generation to Iowa … David and Sarah Jane Switzer

2nd generation .....Frank and Lenorah Switzer

3rd generation .....Clarence and Annie Switzer

4th generation .....Warren and Mary Switzer

5th generation .....David William Switzer and siblings.

This farm has remained in the same family for so long due to the tenacity of the women (wives and sisters) in the family. Their support and hard work alongside of their husbands made it possible for the next generation to then own the farm.

This is the eight-month that the Carnegie Historical Museum has been highlighting the farms in Jefferson County which have been recognized by the Iowa Farm Bureau as being in the same family for 150 years plus. It is our plan to carry this forward into 2023 and recognize all 14 farms, which have received this status at the state level.

The Fairfield First Friday on Jan. 6, 2023, beginning at 6 p.m. will allow interested patrons of the Museum to come and view the new display of the of the Switzer farm.

A dedicated display case will be available for viewing on the third floor of the museum for the month of January. The Switzer family will be doing a videotaping at 6 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend and meet the family at that time. Please take time to come and learn about the history of these farms and what they mean to Jefferson County, Iowa.