Alongside our friends at Château de Morges

The Château de Morges is organising a series of monthly lectures as an extension of the temporary exhibition «TOP SECRET: Espionage and resistance in Switzerland and Europe, 1939-1945». Each evening begins with a short guided tour of the exhibition, linked to the theme in question, followed by the lecture. The evening ends with a convivial aperitif, providing an opportunity for further discussion.

Participation is free of charge for members of the Association of Friends of Morges Castle and for members of the Association of Friends of the Museums of Nyon. Registrations can be made at the following address: mediation.chateau-morges@vd.ch

Thursday 23 April 2026 - from 5.30pm, lecture at 6.30pm
Christophe Vuilleumier
«Geneva in the shadow of the Third Reich»
How did the Nazi presence manifest itself in Geneva during the Second World War? Historian Christophe Vuilleumier will analyse the role of the German consulate, the local NSDAP cell and various nationalist circles in a city that was both neutral and diplomatic.

Thursday 7 May 2026 - from 6.30pm, lecture at 7.30pm
Pierre Streit
«Roger Masson, the father of Swiss intelligence?»
Who was Roger Masson, and what was his contribution to the development of the Swiss intelligence services? Pierre Streit will look back at his career and the political, military and diplomatic issues surrounding his work.

Thursday 25 June 2026 - from 5.30pm, lecture at 6.30pm
Nicolas Penseyres
«From temporary to permanent missions: the role of military attachés Switzerland through the Second World War (1937-1945)».»
How did Switzerland observe the rise in tension and then the war from its embassies and legations? Nicolas Penseyres will show how Swiss military attachés played a discreet but essential role at the crossroads of intelligence, diplomacy and defence preparations.

Thursday 23 July 2026 - from 5.30pm, lecture at 6.30pm
Didier Clarençon
«Radio operators in the Resistance»
How did the Allies communicate with the Resistance? Didier Clarençon will discuss the crucial role played by these clandestine agents, and the considerable risks they ran.

Thursday 27 August 2026 - from 5.30pm, lecture at 6.30pm
Diane Samuel and Bruno Poggi-Aklil
«Bearing witness and rebuilding: the role of Switzerland in the post-war Vercors (1944-1948)».»
How did Switzerland contribute to the reconstruction of Europe after 1945? Diane Samuel and Bruno Poggi-Aklil will present this little-known story of international solidarity in the post-war Vercors.