Dear Friends of Finnish America:
You have been patiently following our progress over the last six months, since the trustees of Finlandia Foundation National acted to protect the cultural and historical assets of the Finnish American Heritage Center (FAHC) in Hancock, Michigan.
In our 70 years of existence, Finlandia Foundation had never faced a challenge such as the situation that arose in March of 2023, when Finlandia University announced its closing. It put into jeopardy the fate of the university-housed collection we call the Smithsonian of Finnish America.
To preserve and acquire this history was a huge undertaking and a leap of faith for a non-profit organization such as ours. The FFN board determined that this move was completely in synch with the very mission of Finlandia Foundation, which is to honor our roots while connecting with contemporary Finland.
Fiercely Finnish since 1953, we champion our culture and heritage across the United States by supporting educational opportunities and promoting diverse, relevant and enriching programs.
We have been heartened to hear from so many who want to be a part of this effort to preserve the irreplaceable archives and artifacts that tell the story of Finnish America.
NOW, we ask the $3 million question:
Will you join our effort by making a donation to support this project?
We are secure in our acquisition of the extensive inventory of the FAHC, and we are on our way to finalizing the purchase of the building, which is the home of the archives, Finlandia Art Gallery, Finnish American Reporter and much more. The striking building is also a well-loved community center.
We MUST meet this initial goal of $3 million by the end of 2023 to fund, secure and protect:
- cultural and historical treasures of the archives
- staffing and physical operations
- programming and exhibitions
- endowment for the continued legacy
- digitization of archival material for worldwide use
- and more!
If we do not do this, who will preserve our heritage?
Your participation is urgently needed.
Please help us to reach this goal of raising $3 million by the end of 2023.
It is our duty and privilege to protect the legacy of Finnish America, but we cannot do this without you.
Thank you,
Anne-Mari Paster
President
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