Open archive exhibition «Le Service Civil International en action !»: Discover over a century of peace activism, international solidarity and volunteering through the rich archives of Service Civil International. From its beginnings in 1920 to its diverse activities in the Jura region, this exhibition brings to life the people, projects and ideas that have shaped SCI’s history. Join us in La Chaux-de-Fonds to explore our heritage and discover how volunteering has contributed to building a more peaceful world.
The exhibition is an original installation developed by the SCI International Archives lead by Heinz Gabathuler, with support from Anne Babey. It features historical materials from the SCI archive collection held at the Bibliothèque de la Ville de La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Founded in 1920 by the pacifist Pierre Ceresole from the canton of Vaud, SCI has organised numerous activities in the Jura region, particularly in the Neuchâtel mountains. The exhibition highlights the diverse areas of SCI’s voluntary work: protecting cultural and natural heritage, supporting mountain farming, carrying out social and cultural projects, showing solidarity with progressive initiatives, and advocating for civilian service as an alternative to military service.
About the SCI Archives
The International Archives of Service Civil International are housed at the Bibliothèque de la Ville de La Chaux-de-Fonds, alongside the personal papers of other Swiss pacifists and the International Documentation Centre of the Esperanto movement.
The SCI International Archives document the history of international volunteering for peace movement since 1920. Their extensive collection of files, documents and photographs is publicly accessible and offers valuable insights into the development of the international peace movement. More than 700 archive boxes preserve SCI’s history. The archives were established by a former SCI International Secretary in the 1970s.
Venue and Dates
5 November 2026 – 30 April 2027
During the library’s regular opening hours.
Bibliothèque de la Ville de La Chaux-de-Fonds
Rue du Progrès 33, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
Exhibition Opening (Vernissage)
Thursday, 5 November 2026, at 18:15
Join us for the official opening of the exhibition! Registration is appreciated by 28 October 2026 via Service.Bibliothequedelaville@ne.ch.
