Exploring the Past to Shape the Future – A Unique MBA Finance Tour at the Swiss Economic Archives (SWA) 📚
As part of our MBA Finance program, we had the privilege of exploring the Swiss Economic Archives (SWA) with Irene Amstutz, Head of the University Library of Economics and the Swiss Economic Archives.
In the hidden vaults beneath the WWZ, we were able to access invaluable documents that highlight Switzerland’s rich economic and industrial history. Among the highlights:
📜 Schappe Records – The oldest silk factory in the Basel-Landschaft region, offering a glimpse into Switzerland’s early industrial era. We also saw a stunning watercolor painting of the Schappe grounds in Arlesheim, capturing the historical significance of the site.
📜 Ciba-Geigy Color Chart – A perfectly preserved color chart, showcasing the company’s influence in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
📜 A Handwritten Letter from Albert Schweitzer – This rare letter from the Nobel laureate, known as the "Doctor of the Jungle," offered personal insight into his life and work in Lambaréné, Gabon.
📜 A Document on the Slave Trade – Dating back to the end of the 18th century, during the time of the French Revolution and the close of the Early Modern period.
In addition, Irene kindly showed us old financial reports and controlling books, which was especially relevant as we had the Financial Reporting module that same week. Our lecturer, Prof. Philip Joos, expressed great interest in the books, which added even more value to the experience. A heartfelt thank you to Irene for this special touch and for bringing the past and present of financial reporting to life!
These are just a few examples from the thousands of documents, books, and records carefully preserved at the SWA. The University of Basel follows a digitalization strategy, with thousands of documents being digitized annually for future access.
About the Swiss Economic Archives (SWA)
The SWA plays a crucial role in preserving Switzerland's economic heritage, housing a vast collection of business records, corporate reports, and historical trade documents. With strong ties to companies, merchants, and financial institutions, it serves as a key resource for understanding Switzerland’s role in global trade and financial markets.
This was an enlightening experience that seamlessly connected historical insights with contemporary financial knowledge. A big thank you to Irene Amstutz for her invaluable contribution to our learning journey!
📸 Stay tuned for more highlights from our MBA Finance experience!
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