Swiss Town Renames Street to Honor Black Domestic Worker

The municipality of Yverdon-les-Bains in western Switzerland has decided to rename Rue de l’Ancien-Stand as Rue Pauline-Buisson, honoring a black domestic worker born into slavery in Saint-Domingue.

The decision is described by local authorities as a symbolic act of reparation aimed at acknowledging a life that remained largely unrecognized during her time in Switzerland.

A Life Marked by Colonial History

Pauline Buisson was brought to Yverdon in 1776 from Saint-Domingue, present-day Haiti, by David-Philippe de Treytorrens after his return from the Caribbean. She arrived alongside another servant, François Midal.

Despite living in Yverdon for decades, Buisson was never granted legal recognition or social status.

In 1790, she gave birth to a son, Samuel Hypolite Buisson, whose paternity was attributed to a Frenchman passing through the region. The child later became central to a prolonged legal dispute between the de Treytorrens family and local authorities due to his lack of official status.

Both mother and son remained stateless throughout their lives, with authorities refusing to grant citizenship or legal recognition.

Historical Research Brings Forgotten Story to Light

The story was uncovered through archival research conducted by the city of Yverdon, particularly the work of historian Catherine Guanzini. The findings highlight the presence and struggles of people of African origin in 18th-century Switzerland, a subject often overlooked in historical records.

City archives contain detailed legal documents from disputes between 1826 and 1835, offering rare insight into the lives of formerly enslaved individuals brought to Europe during the colonial era.

To improve accessibility, the city has published these documents online for researchers and the public.

Symbolic Recognition and Street Renaming

Local authorities describe the street renaming as a “gesture of symbolic reparation.” The decision follows the posthumous honorary citizenship granted to Pauline Buisson, her son, and François Midal.

The new name, Rue Pauline-Buisson, will officially come into effect on October 3, marking the birthday of Samuel Hypolite Buisson.

Officials say the move is intended to restore visibility to individuals whose histories were long excluded from public memory and urban space.