Finlandia Foundation Celebration

Finlandia Foundation National (FFN) will conduct its annual board meeting in Hancock April 11-13, accompanied by a variety of free events that are open to the public. It will be the first opportunity for the majority of FFN trustees to visit the properties that the volunteer board of directors voted unanimously to assume responsibility for with the 2023 closing of Finlandia University. It is also a chance to celebrate the momentous “Saving Finland in America” campaign, which inspired donors who raised funds to acquire the historical and cultural Finnish-American assets that faced an uncertain future.   

The 71-year-old, non-profit FFN now owns the Finnish American Heritage Center and North Wind Books store on Quincy Street, as well as the Finnish American Historical Archive, Finlandia Art Gallery, Finnish American Folk School, Price of Freedom Museum and The Finnish American Reporter, all of which had been operated by the now-closed school. 

The community is invited to attend four free events, including the “re-opening” of the Finnish American Heritage Center. All are welcome; if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the event will move indoors. The other events require RSVP at https://form.jotform.com/Finlandia_Foundation/HancockCelebration.

Thursday, April 11, 3:00-4:45 p.m.: Kahvi ja Nisu Meet & Greet with FFN Trustees and guests over Finnish pastries and coffee from Nisu Bakery & Cafe at Finnish American Heritage Center. 

Friday, April 12, 1:30-2:15 p.m.: Finnish American Heritage Center Re-Opening with ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks, performances and flag raising. 

Friday, April 12, 7:00 p.m.: Heather Allen Hietala’s “Evolution” opening reception with refreshments and 7:20 pm artist talk at Finlandia Art Gallery, Finnish American Heritage Center. 

Saturday, April 12, 3:00-5:00 p.m.: Hanna Pylväinen Lecture & Book Signing with the author of The End of Drum-Time, hosted by North Wind Books at Chapel of St. Matthew, 532 West Franklin Street.