“The society was named in honor of Hedwig Stauffacher, the fearless wife of Werner Stauffacher, a steadfast free landholder from Schwyz. Hedwig encouraged her husband to fight for freedom from foreign rule and tyranny. Together with other mountain farmers of Uri and Unterwalden, they defended the valleys of Schwyz and contributed to the heroic struggle for Swiss independence. The goal of Die Stauffacherin is to promote friendship among its members, help one another, and maintain Swiss heritage and traditions. In addition, it supports cultural and social programs in the Washington DC area.”