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Dear friends,
We have made history, together.
In November 2025, a passionate Finnish American community member, motivated by a deep belief in the importance of heritage and cultural preservation, challenged us with a mission. The donor pledged to match dollar-for-dollar the next $100,000 raised for the Finnish American Heritage Center and Historical Archive of Finlandia Foundation National. It was a true vote of confidence in our mission and a desire to make a meaningful impact in Finnish America.
Now, five months later, we are thrilled to share that the Making History Challenge has been a success—thanks to you.
Like so many in our community, this contributor treasures their Finnish roots and believes strongly in preserving them for future generations. That vision is at the heart of our mission, and together, we could not have been more aligned.
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By early April, we were just $10,000 short of our goal. The outpouring of support had already been remarkable, leaving us inspired and deeply humbled.
And now, we are overjoyed to share that last week, thanks to two additional pledges of $5,000 each, we reached our goal. The $100,000 Making History match has been met resulting in $200,000 raised. Over the course of the challenge, we received more than 230 individual donations, ranging from $5 to $10,000, demonstrating the collective power of our community.
Read more on our website.
Because of your generosity and belief in this work, we are strengthening the future of Finnish-American heritage. While we can say we “made” history in this campaign, the work continues. Together, we are ensuring that these stories—so vital, so personal, so irreplaceable—will be preserved, shared, and brought to life for generations to come.
This campaign was about more than a goal. It was about honoring the past while building the future—and together, we did exactly that.
With deep gratitude, thank you for helping us make history.
Warm regards,
Tommy Flanagan
Executive Director
Finlandia Foundation National
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Upcoming Annual Board Meeting in Philadelphia
Finlandia Foundation National is honored to gather in Philadelphia for its Annual Board Meeting, taking place in a city deeply connected to the founding story of the United States. Meeting in historic venues such as the National Constitution Center and the American Swedish Historical Museum, this important weekend will bring leadership together to reflect, plan, and shape the future of the organization. Surrounded by places that embody history, civic life, and cultural legacy, the gathering serves as a meaningful setting for advancing Finlandia Foundation National’s mission and strengthening its impact for generations to come.
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RSVP for our Friday, April 24 reception at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation in Wilmington, DE here.
RSVP for our a Saturday, April 25 reception at the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia, PA here.
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Job Opening: Executive Assistant - Apply now!
Finlandia Foundation National seeks a highly organized, proactive, and mission-driven Executive Assistant to provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Executive Director and assist with key organizational functions. This role is central to the effective coordination of communications, scheduling, board engagement, and special projects across a nationally active nonprofit organization.
Application deadline: May 15, 2026
Anticipated start date: June 2026 or after
👉 Learn more or apply now
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In Conversation with Ida Elina: Modern Pop Kantele Queen
Few symbols capture Finland’s cultural legacy like the kantele, the nation’s iconic instrument.
Ida Elina reimagines the kantele for modern audiences, transforming tradition into something fresh, dynamic, and globally resonant, captivating listeners in Finland and beyond.
Join us to explore what inspires Ida Elina’s innovative work. She’ll share her journey, current projects, and future vision—with the possibility of a live musical demonstration.
👉 Read more about Ida Elina here.
Tues., May 12, 2026 at 9am PT / 12pm ET / 7pm EET. Free zoom event.
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From Oulu to the World: A Look at Europe’s Capital of Culture 2026
What happens when an entire region prepares to welcome Europe through culture?
Join us for a special behind-the-scenes look at Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture, as the people shaping this historic year share how Oulu and Northern Ostrobothnia are preparing for one of Europe’s most significant cultural honors.
This webinar will explore the vision, scale, and local impact of Oulu2026—from major official programming to the festivals, traditions, and communities helping bring it to life.
Tues., May 19, 2026 at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 8pm EET. Free zoom event.
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MAKING HEADLINES: FFN's 2026 Performer of the Year — Ruut
We are proud to celebrate Ruut, whose year as Performer of the Year is already making a meaningful impact. With recent and upcoming appearances with our chapters across the country, she continues to share her spirit, artistry, and Finnish-themed music with audiences everywhere. Her album Steinway Sessions was also recently the subject of a thoughtful review by acclaimed music critic Mike Mineo. With heartfelt gratitude and growing recognition, Ruut’s journey continues to inspire.
Learn more here.
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Help Shape Heritage Travel in Finland
Do you have Finnish roots—or an interest in tracing family history through travel?
A Finnish company, Taigawise, has invited our community to participate in a survey about personal heritage tourism: the experience of exploring your ancestry, family roots, and cultural connections through travel in Finland. This survey is part of a broader development project focused on making it easier and more meaningful for people with Finnish heritage to reconnect with their origins and experience Finnish culture firsthand. Read more here.
If you have thoughts, experiences, or interest in this topic, we invite you to take part and share your perspective.
👉 Take the survey here.
Your voice can help shape future opportunities for heritage travel in Finland.
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Limited time offer at North Wind Books
For those who were unable to experience Seeing Silence: The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck at The Met—or for anyone who would like to bring this remarkable exhibition home—there is now a special opportunity for supporters of Finlandia Foundation National. Thanks to the generosity of Elsa Brule, copies of this beautiful publication are now available through North Wind Books in limited quantity. This groundbreaking volume introduces one of Finland’s most important modern artists, whose powerful and deeply personal work deserves a global audience.
👉 Get your copy today!
| | Finnish Women for the Vote: Aino Uksila and the Fight for Suffrage | | | | |
More than a century ago, Finnish immigrant women took to the streets of New York and Washington, D.C. to stand beside American suffragists in the fight for women’s voting rights. Among them was Aino Uksila, whose remarkable story—preserved in the Finnish American Heritage Center Archive—reveals courage, solidarity, and the powerful role Finnish women played in shaping history on both sides of the Atlantic. Discover how one photograph opened the door to an inspiring chapter of Finnish-American history.
👉 Read the full story.
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Finlandia Art Gallery
presents
Bonnie Loukus
Liminal Sanctuaries
April 23 - June 10, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 23, 7-8:30pm
HANCOCK, Mich. – Existing between different spaces while not fully belonging to one or the other is something many people experience. What does it mean to belong and how do we know when we do belong? Liminal Sanctuaries, a new exhibition by Michigan artist Bonnie Loukus, features oil paintings of solitary animals and forest floor ecosystems, in between reality and some incorporeal place where they exist without human interference. The exhibit opens with a reception at Finlandia Art Gallery on Thursday, April 23 at 7pm and will be on display through June 10.
👉 Learn more
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Finnish Pannukakku (Kropsu) Recipe
We’re delighted to share that Finlandia Foundation National has launched a new food series with renowned food blogger Kristina Vänni. This month, discover how to make delicious Finnish pannukakku—known in her family as kropsu. Read more on our blog and bring a taste of Finland into your kitchen. Happy cooking!
👉 Get the recipe
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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 | | | | |
