Tag Archive: Finnish American Historical Archive

March 6, 2023

FinnU and Finlandia Foundation National announce intentions to preserve history and heritage

Finlandia University in Hancock, Michigan and Finlandia Foundation National, Inc. (FFN), based in Pasadena, California, announce intentions that aim to ensure the preservation of Finlandia University’s Finnish-American heritage and history.

The non-profit Finlandia Foundation, founded in 1953 to connect, inspire and strengthen the Finnish-American community in the United States, has commissioned a task force with the intent and mission to preserve Finlandia University’s Finnish American Heritage Center, its archives, folk school, art gallery, North Wind Books store and the monthly [...]

February 8, 2023

Price of Freedom Museum winter 2023 hours announced

After a holiday and mid-winter hiatus, one of the Finnish American Heritage Center’s most prized collections will be open to the public again.

The Price of Freedom Museum, which is North America’s largest collection of Finnish war materials, memorabilia and artifacts, will be open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from noon to 3 p.m., beginning February 13 through to the end of April.

The collection, which is housed on the sixth floor of Finlandia University’s Jutila Center, was donated to the [...]

February 7, 2023

Nordic Film Series continues with comedy-drama set in northern Finland

The February selection of the Nordic Film Series at Finlandia University’s Finnish American Heritage Center is a gripping, unconventional drama, “The Cuckoo.” The film will be shown on Wednesday, February 15 at 2 p.m. at the Heritage Center. The screening is open to the public; donations are appreciated.

Set in northern Finland at the close of Axis-aligned Finland’s involvement in World War II, “The Cuckoo” introduces us to pacifist Finnish soldier Veikko, who is trussed to a wilderness rock formation as [...]

February 6, 2023

Heikinpäivä 2023 | Photo Gallery

Finlandia’s campus was filled with the buzz of midwinter spirit as patrons gathered at FinnU’s Finnish American Heritage Center and North Wind Books to celebrate the return of Heikinpäivä in 2023. Following the traditional parade, festivities on campus included wife-carrying competitions, kicksleds, a costumed circle dance, and a market.

Check out some of our favorite moments from all of the activities!

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February 6, 2023

Heikinpäivä returns after two year hiatus

Finlandia celebrates halfway point of winter with community

One of the events headlining Saturday’s festival was Karhunpeijäiset – a circle dance with costumed parade participants.

After a two-year hiatus, Finlandia University was again able to host the patrons of Heikinpäivä at the Finnish American Heritage Center and North Wind Books to celebrate all the quirks and qualities of the Finnish people and their descendants in the region. This festival, which has been taking place mid-winter for more than [...]

January 23, 2023

Franklin-Rahkonen named new chair of Finnish Council of America

Dr. Sharon Franklin-Rahkonen has been named the new leader of the Finnish Council of America at Finlandia University. Franklin-Rahkonen will serve as council chair, a position previously held by John Niska, who will now lead outreach on behalf of the organization.

After serving on the council’s board for many years and as secretary on its executive committee, Franklin-Rahkonen shared appreciation and insight into the council’s initiatives moving forward.

“I am very pleased to be asked to head the Finnish Council. We look [...]

January 16, 2023

FAHC to show ‘Sirkka: Past and Present’ at Martha Wiljanen Hall during Heikinpäivä 2023 | Trailer

Sirkka Tuomi Holm was born just days before women earned the right to vote in the United States, a point her father considered vitally important and reminded her of it frequently. Her activism started then, and didn’t ever stop.

Holm, who died in October 2020 at age 100, was a walking, talking, living history book. From her grandfather fighting for the Reds during the Finnish Civil War, to her immigrant parents’ involvement in labor strikes, to being trailed by the FBI [...]

January 12, 2023

Heikinpäivä 2023 Festival Schedule

A Finnish-American Mid-Winter Festival Until February 14

Snowflake Challenge with Ginger Alberti |1:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Sew Cranky Heikinpäivä Snowflake Challenge project, for everyone, beginners too! Learn to quickly sew a pattern on a black felt square (with an antique hand crank sewing machine), which is then entered into the contest with cash and gift certificate prizes! $3 to enter. All ages. Winners in all skill levels. If bringing a group, or with general questions please call (818) 606-0065.

January 11 & [...]

Bonnie Peterson, Upper Peninsula, 50" H x 48" W, Embroidery and heat transfers of upper Michigan and Lake Superior maps, painted and embroidered with stories from ski and kayak trips, photographs on silk, satin, velvet and brocade, stitched.

December 27, 2022

Gallery to return in January with Bonnie Peterson exhibit

Fiber artist Bonnie Peterson’s exhibit, Word Count, will open on January 9 as the Finlandia University Gallery returns to operations. The exhibit will run until February 15, 2023.

“I couldn’t be more excited to begin our new gallery season with Houghton artist Bonnie Peterson,” Gallery Director Carrie Flaspohler said. “The Copper Country is a stronghold of art and culture and Finlandia University Gallery is honored to display the work of an incredibly talented local artist as it relaunches operations.”

Peterson is a [...]

December 20, 2022

The Bridge magazine goes interactive

75th edition of the Bridge now available online

Finlandia University’s annual donor magazine, the Bridge, is now available online. In a new and exciting format, viewers can interact with this year’s issue like never before.

Across 32 pages of clickable stories, links and highlights, this year’s magazine celebrates Finlandia’s friends and family, including those who contributed to and supported Finlandia University throughout the year.

Highlights of this edition include the following stories:

Leadership: Finlandia University Management Team

Connect with the campus leaders on the [...]

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