|
Dear Friends,
There is much to look forward to this fall at Finlandia Foundation National: the opening of scholarships and grants applications, our virtual board meeting, and the announcement of our 2026 Lecturer and Performer of the Year. Even as we prepare for what’s ahead, I find myself reflecting on the highlights of this summer—a season defined by connection. At FinnFest in Duluth, our team was able to meet so many of you face-to-face, share stories, celebrate culture, and strengthen bonds that remind us why Finnish-American traditions remain so meaningful.
| | |
That spirit carried with us to Hancock, where we continued the celebration with concerts, workshops, and exhibits at the Finnish American Heritage Center. From singing “Finlandia” together with the Finnish International Choir, to Kay Seppälä being honored with a Michigan Heritage Award, to sharing folk arts and history with our community, these experiences reminded us that connection is at the heart of everything we do. As we move into the fall season, I look forward to continuing that spirit—whether at chapter meetings, local events, or online gatherings—and I thank each of you for your support, which makes all of this possible.
Warmly // Kesäisin terveisin // Med sommarliga hälsningar,
Thomas Flanagan
Executive Director
| | FinnFest: a celebration of culture and community | | This summer’s FinnFest in Duluth, Minnesota was filled with meaningful connections and memorable moments for Finlandia Foundation National. From our Tori booth, we had the joy of meeting members and friends from across the country, catching up with Fulbright Finland, FFN chapter leaders, and the Finnish International Choir, to name a few. Festival-goers also enjoyed our vintage Marimekko collection at our fashion show, along with engaging sessions, and even sauna time shared with our Young Leaders Board members and new friends alike. FFN congratulates and thanks FinnFest USA and their entire staff, board, and volunteers on a memorable third year in Duluth! We look forward to what comes next! | | We’re delighted to share some of our memorable moments from FinnFest. Feel free to browse the album and download your favorites. We encourage you to share them with your own community, and kindly ask that you tag or credit Finlandia Foundation National when posting. Kiitos and enjoy! | | Post-FinnFest in Hancock: The Finnish-American Celebration Continued | | |
Following FinnFest in Duluth, we were thrilled to welcome friends, guests, and neighbors to a week of vibrant post-FinnFest programming in Hancock. Together we enjoyed a lively book discussion and signing of Phantom Finn with the author Kalle Virtapohja present, the moving "Songs and Stories of the Heart" concert by the Finnish International Choir, inspiring Finnish American Folk School workshops, and a joyful community sing-along. One of the most memorable evenings included a spirited performance from the Kivajat Dancers during which Kay Seppälä was honored with the Michigan Heritage Award. We also gathered for Suomikahvit (Finnish coffee hour) with fresh-baked korvapuusti, shared conversations, enjoyed the "Why Did the Finns Move to Copper Country?" exhibit, and celebrated Finnish culture at the Finnish American Heritage Center.
We extend our deepest thanks to our staff, board members, Young Leaders Board, volunteers, and the entire Hancock community for making these events such a resounding success. Your hard work, energy, and passion brought people together in meaningful ways, showing once again that our heritage and traditions are strongest when we celebrate them as a community.
| | Beyond our Performer and Lecturer of the Year programs, we’re also accepting applications for the prestigious Lindfors Legal Studies Scholarship and for speakers interested in being part of National Sauna Week 2026. Know someone who would be a great fit? Help us spread the word! Click the images below for more information! 👇 | | Performer and Lecturer of the Year 2026 |
Sign Up Today: Finnish Language Online Courses | |
Starting in September, the Finnish American Folk School is excited to be partnering with Language Clubhouse again this fall to offer three online Finnish language courses for learners at levels A0 (total beginners) through A2. Learn more here.
| | National Sauna Week - Call for Speakers |
Friends of Finland Youth Exhibition – Call for Chapter Nominations | |
The Finlandia Gallery at the Finnish American Heritage Center (435 Quincy Street, Hancock, MI) invites Finlandia Foundation Chapters nationwide to nominate up to three youth artworks (K–12) for the upcoming Friends of Finland Youth Exhibition.
This national exhibit will feature original art with a Finnish or Finnish-American theme.
Submission guidelines and more information at FinlandiaArtGallery.com.
| | |
COMING SOON:
Grants and Scholarships
|
Opportunities in Finland for U.S. Scholars | |
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program to Finland is now accepting applications for the 2026–27 academic year. Grants are available for teaching, research, or a combination of both, across all academic disciplines and institutions in Finland.
Deadline: September 15, 2025
Duration: 1–12 months
Info & Apply: Fulbright Finland Scholar Grants
Questions? Contact:
| | Kay Seppälä Honored with Michigan Heritage Award | |
Kay Seppälä of Hancock has received the Michigan Heritage Award for her decades of leadership in Finnish folk dance. Since founding the Kivajat Dancers in 1997, she has guided the group through more than 800 rehearsals, growing it from a single after-school class into a program with over 50 young dancers in multiple age groups.
👉 Read the full story here.
| | FinnFest in the News—in Finland! | |
FinnFest USA transformed Duluth, Minnesota into the capital of Finnish America for four days this summer. From Marimekko to sauna culture to Paavo Nurmi, FinnFest showed how traditions remain vital anchors for Finnish Americans today.
👉 Read the full story in Turun Sanomat here
| | Upcoming Exhibit: Tapio Wirkkala, Norfolk, VA | |
Tapio Wirkkala: Still
On view September 5, 2025 at March 15, 2026 at the Chrysler Museum of Art.
Discover the timeless elegance of Finnish design through the works of Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985)—a master of glass, porcelain, wood, and metal whose creations shaped the spirit of Mid-Century Modern style.
Learn more →
| | |
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 | | | | |
