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Dear Friends,
Spring is in full bloom, and so is Finlandia Foundation National. As the days grow longer and brighter, we’re thrilled to see the seeds of our many programs beginning to sprout and thrive.
Our Performer of the Year, Charlotte Loukola, is captivating audiences around the country with her unique violin style—blending classical mastery with her own magical touch. Meanwhile, our Lecturer of the Year, Eero Kilpi, is traveling coast to coast, promoting sauna tradition and exploring what it means to “bring Finnishness back to sauna.”
As we look ahead, preparations are well underway for a very Finnish summer and our participation in FinnFest.
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In Hancock, our team is building strong community ties and creating meaningful cultural experiences through programs at the Finnish American Heritage Center, the Folk School, Finlandia Art Gallery, and more.
At Finlandia Foundation, we like to think of ourselves as the sun, water, and fertilizer helping to grow the vibrant garden of Finnish-American culture. With the dedication of our passionate board, our hardworking staff, and the support of people like you, we are nurturing the roots of history, tradition, and innovation for future generations.
Just like in nature, if we want a future that’s blooming and abundant, we must continue planting today.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Kevätterveisin // Vårhälsningar // Warmly,
Thomas Flanagan
Executive Director
Finlandia Foundation National
| | FFN Hosts Annual Meeting in Chicago and Signs Historic Sauna Partnership | | |
Finlandia Foundation National held its annual board meeting and reception in Chicago April 25–27, bringing together local chapter leaders, young professionals, and friends of Finnish America. A highlight of the weekend was the official launch of the North American Sauna Society’s (NASS) Ambassador Program, a groundbreaking initiative by Lecturer of the Year Eero Kilpi in promoting authentic Finnish sauna culture across the U.S.
FFN was named the cultural partner of NASS, and a Letter of Intent was presented to Young Leaders Board member Nate Kilponen-Fix to establish the first regional chapter. The weekend included remarks from community leaders, heartfelt musical performance by FF Baltimore President Ruut DeMeo, remarks from Finnish American Society of the Midwest's President Mary Wurzer, and a farewell tribute to retiring board members.
Special thanks to Honorary Consul Jon Jurva for hosting the weekend’s events at ArentFox Schiff and to all who made the gathering such a meaningful moment of reflection, reconnection, and forward momentum.
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With Gratitude to Our Outgoing Trustees
Finlandia Foundation National extends its deepest thanks to Anne-Mari Paster, Teuvo Pulkkinen, Peter Mäkilä, and Ellen Harju for their years of dedicated service as members of our Board of Trustees.
Their leadership, generosity, and passion for Finnish America have made a lasting impact on our organization and community. As they conclude their terms, we honor their many contributions and know they will be greatly missed. While they may be stepping away from their official roles, their legacy and influence will continue to shape the future of Finlandia Foundation. Kiitos from the bottom of our hearts!
| | Wednesday, May 21 at 10am PST, 1pm EST | | |
Upcoming Finnposium: Gentle Power with Dr. E. Elisabet Lahti co-hosted by Young Leaders Board members Aura-Maria Moore and Molly Tynjala
🗓️ May 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM (PT)
What is sisu—and how can it help you lead with purpose and grow with grace?
Join us for a free live Q&A with Dr. E. Elisabet Lahti, author of Gentle Power, as we explore the uniquely Finnish blend of inner strength, quiet courage, and resilience. This is the kickoff to our new virtual book club—and you won’t want to miss it!
🎒 Hear about Elisabet’s inspiring solo trek across New Zealand
📖 Dive into the difference between sisu and grit
❓ Bring your questions—live Q&A included!
🛒 Gentle Power is available now at a special price from North Wind Books: shop.finlandiafoundation.org
Spaces are limited—register now!
| | Job Opportunity: Curator of Special Exhibitions | | |
Job Opportunity: Curator of Special Exhibitions
Know someone with a passion for history, storytelling, and Finnish-American heritage?
Finlandia Foundation National is seeking a creative and experienced history or museum professional to serve as Curator of Special Exhibitions for a special project at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan. This freelance position runs from September 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
The curator will develop a traveling and digital exhibition based on our “Price of Freedom” collection, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and highlighting Finland’s role in the Winter War. Preference will be given to candidates who can be on-site in Hancock, though remote work with travel is possible.
Learn more and apply: FinlandiaFoundation.org/work-with-us
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From Sauna to Skating Rinks: A Young Finn’s Journey in Florida
What does it mean to be a young Finnish American in the Florida tropics? Meet Milena Autero, a champion figure skater whose story captures the warmth of community, the grit of sisu, and the enduring power of Finnish heritage. Don’t miss this heartwarming and inspiring feature in Finnish American Reporter—free to read now.
👉 Read the full article now—and if you love it, consider subscribing for more stories that celebrate Finnish-American life!
| | | The Finnish American Reporter—now proudly owned and operated by Finlandia Foundation National—has been the voice of Finns in North America since 1986. | | A win for Finnish arts in Hancock! | | Finnish American Folk School | The Finnish American Folk School’s first-ever open house and fundraiser was a resounding success—raising funds to support hands-on arts education rooted in Finnish tradition. From silent auctions to studio tours, the day celebrated creativity, community, and culture in the Copper Country. Huge thanks to Director Clare Zuraw, whose leadership keeps this vibrant program thriving, and to all the incredible volunteers who made it happen. Kiitos! | |  | |
Finlandia Art Gallery: Eeva Honkanen – Watch the Recap Video
At Finlandia Art Gallery, we hosted a successful reception for the exhibition of works by Eeva Honkanen. Guests were captivated by her large-scale ink drawings, and we were thrilled with the strong turnout. We are deeply grateful to Eeva Honkanen for traveling from Finland to Hancock, Michigan, for this special event and for generously loaning us her remarkable artwork. This exhilarating exhibit is still up through June 4 and is free to the public at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan.
| | | Interested in practicing your Finnish speaking and listening skills in a low-stakes, casual environment? | |
EVERY THURSDAY!
Join us for Suomikahvit: Virtual Finnish Coffee Hour. Spearheaded by our Executive Assistant Mia Filardi, this new online gathering is a friendly, casual, and low-stakes space for Finnish speakers of all levels to connect and practice their language skills. Grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation on Zoom—no pressure, just community and good vibes.
Register here.
| | | Young Leaders Board hosted a Nordic networking brunch in Chicago | |
On April 27, our Young Leaders Board brought together an enthusiastic crowd for a successful networking brunch in Chicago! Guests included representatives from the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce, Trade Station Securities, the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, Business Sweden, and North Park University, along with other Nordic and Finnish enthusiasts—all connecting over a warm pancake breakfast. Big thanks to our Young Leaders Board members for building community and creating space for new connections—great job, team!
See the photos here.
| | | FinnFest + Hancock Summer Plans | |
Headed to FinnFest in Duluth? Extend Your Adventure to Hancock!
If you're joining us at FinnFest in Duluth (July 31–August 3), keep the celebration going with Finnish-American events at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan (August 4–6).
Just a scenic 4-hour drive along Lake Superior connects one of the biggest Finnish cultural festivals with one of the most Finnish cities in the U.S.!
Our team will be ready to welcome you in Hancock and share its rich Finnish-American magic. Stay tuned for more details.
Finlandia Foundation is proud to be a Partner-Sponsor of FinnFest 2025!
| | Kerhotalo Fund Makes Its Mark | |
Finlandia Foundation National is excited to announce the first awards from the new FFN Kerhotalo Fund, established in 2024 by the American Finnish Club – Kerhotalo of Lantana, Florida. In its inaugural year, the fund contributed $18,000 toward two scholarships and four grant projects that strengthen Finnish-American life in Florida and nationwide.
“It was an exciting year for Kerhotalo to work with Finlandia Foundation National,” said Sal Perna, President of the American Finnish Club. “We are thrilled to support projects that help strengthen Finnish America.”
The Kerhotalo Fund is a powerful example of legacy giving in action. Together with FFN’s total 2025 grant and scholarship awards of nearly $225,000, it helps amplify cultural preservation, education, and innovation across the U.S.
Read more here.
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Is planned giving in your future?
Join the Finlandia Legacy Society today!
| | Our legacy is our people. What’s yours? Learn more about our Finlandia Legacy Society by emailing: office@finlandiafoundation.org | | | | |
