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Dear Friends,
I am often humbled here at Finlandia Foundation. There is so much talent and energy across our nationwide community. No matter what corner of the country, we see our members, chapters, and partners doing great work to advance the Finnish-American
community, highlight heritage and culture, and increase connections to modern Finland. For example, I am impressed with our friends at the National Nordic Museum in Seattle conducting their annual Nordic Innovation Summit, which FFN’s Young Leaders attended (more soon!). Onnea // Grattis on another fantastic event!
On the other side of the country, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is getting ready to exhibit for the first ever a Finnish artist through the works of Helene Schjerfbeck (opening December 5, check it out!). In Troy, NH, this coming weekend, the local Finnish-American community with gather for FinnFunn weekend, an intimate event focused on all things Finnish and Finnish-American. FFN is a proud sponsor of FinnFunn this year. From east to west and places in between, Finland in America is visible and Finlandia Foundation National is here to support it.
What I am often most humbled by, however, is our own community members—the people that make it all happen. This very October e-News is case in point. When you scroll through it, what do you notice? I notice faces.
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Talent. Passion. Community. Engagement. In our POY and LOY programs alone, I am struck by the talent that both Charlotte Loukola and Ruut DeMeo bring to the program. The conversations that Eero Kilpi and John Smith ignite in their lectures are meaningful and memorable. Eric Aho continues to engage our community, inspiring with his Finnish-American informed art—not only as our inaugural Artist of the Year, but as our first artist in residence in
Hancock, MI.
Currently, our own Communications Director, Minea Lindqvist Herwitz is in Deer Isle, ME, getting to know Väinö Kola, our current Artist of the Year (stay tuned for her fine work on his extraordinary life). Spoiler alert: She will also be at FinnFunn! Follow our social media channels to see for yourself.
And finally, our scholars and grant recipients. What would be our purpose without this group of Finns, Finnish-Americans, and friends of Finland? Tomorrow, you can witness work of two young grant recipients in our Finnposium event on "Finland, Minnesota". Register below. You can see it in the work of Sirpa Aho from Florida in her book on Finns in Florida. And you, too, can apply for next year, details below.
With all that said—I am proud. Proud of the work you are doing and proud that FFN can
support this work. Thank you all for your continued support of our mission! Let’s keep up
the good work.
Best // Ystävällisin terveisin // Med vänliga hälsningar,
Tommy Flanagan
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Exclusive Online Screening: Finland, Minnesota -- Thursday, Oct 23, 10AM PT/1PM ET.
Join us on October 23rd 10AM PT/1PM ET for a special Finnposium webinar featuring a new ethnographic documentary on Finland, Minnesota, a small town with a rich history and vibrant cultural traditions.
The film explores what sustains this unique community, highlights the 50th Anniversary of St. Urho’s Day, and shares stories from long-time residents, newcomers, and the local historical society. Filmmakers Ville Besonen and Isaac (Arvo) Hanson will discuss their research, the town’s enduring resilience, and the significance of its Finnish-American heritage.
Register here.
| | | Announcing our 2026 Lecturer and Performer of the Year! | | |
Finlandia Foundation National is proud to announce the 2026 Lecturer and Performer of the Year: historian John E. Smith III and musician Ruut DeMeo.
John Smith, an accomplished researcher and historian, will bring to life the remarkable story of John Morton, the Finnish-descended signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, whose legacy of civic leadership and cultural resilience offers timely lessons as America marks its 250th anniversary.
Our 2026 Performer of the Year, Ruut DeMeo—known professionally as Ruut—is a Finnish-born singer-songwriter, author, and educator whose work bridges cultures and generations. With nine albums, international performances, and a deep connection to her Finnish roots, Ruut’s music celebrates creativity, identity, and renewal.
Together, these two talented voices will illuminate Finnish heritage in powerful new ways—through history, story, and song.
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Watch the highlight video! | |
Northern Tier: Paintings by Eric Aho
Finlandia Art Gallery, Hancock, MI
We were honored to host Finnish-American artist Eric Aho, FFN’s inaugural Artist of Year for 2023 and 2024, for a successful exhibition, artist residency, and public lecture in conjunction with Northern Tier. The show, exploring the spirit and memory of the northern boreal forest, captivated our community with its depth and beauty. Our October 9 lecture and reception drew an enthusiastic audience and created a truly memorable experience for all who attended.
Check out the photos here, and stay tuned for the upcoming recording of the lecture.
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A Weekend to Be Remembered:
LOY and POY Bringing the Finnish Spirit to Chicago, Sonoma
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This past weekend, Finlandia Foundation National’s 2025 Performer of the Year and Lecturer of the Year brought their magic to two simultaneous events celebrating Finnish arts and culture from coast to coast. In Sonoma, California, Charlotte Loukola dazzled audiences at the Finnish American Home Association (FAHA) with her dynamic, multi-genre solo violin performance—followed by a true Finnish sauna session. Meanwhile, in Chicago, Eero Kilpi brought the story of Finnish sauna culture to life with an engaging lecture and community gathering hosted by the Finnish American Society of the Midwest. Though miles apart, these events created shared moments of joy, connection, and cultural pride—reminding us how deeply united our chapters and friends are through art, heritage, and the spirit of sauna.
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At the heart of everything we do at Finlandia Foundation National is our mission to support, cultivate, and share Finnish culture in all its evolving forms. One of the most powerful way we do this is through grants and scholarships.
Our 2026 Scholarships and Grants applications period opens November 1, offering funding for students, artists, researchers, and cultural projects that carry forward the Finnish-American story.
🗓️ Grant Deadline: January 17, 2026
🗓️ Scholarship Deadline: February 1, 2026
Learn more and prepare your application here 👉 finlandiafoundation.org/programs/
| | Grants and Scholarships: Application Period opens Nov. 1 | | National Sauna Week Poster Contest: Entries Due Nov. 15 | |
Celebrate the Finnish sauna tradition by entering FFN’s National Sauna Week Poster Contest! Artists 18+ from the U.S. are invited to submit original artwork that captures the essence of the sauna. The winning design will be featured in National Sauna Week 2026 promotions and receive a $300 prize.
Deadline: November 15, 2025
National Sauna Week: February 15–21, 2026
🔗 Submit your entry
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Calling our Finlandia Foundation National community in New York!
Mark your calendars for Friday, November 14, when the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce in New York hosts its Strategic Forum 2025. This high-level gathering will bring together transatlantic leaders to explore how Finnish innovation in defense, AI, and cyber technology is strengthening trade, security, and resilience between Finland and the U.S. 🇫🇮🇺🇸Featuring an impressive lineup of speakers — including Risto Siilasmaa (Founder of F-Secure and former Chairman of Nokia), Tero Ojanperä (Silo.ai), and leaders from NASA, the Consulate General of Finland in New York, and Arnold & Porter — this event promises to spark meaningful dialogue and connection.The day concludes with a festive pikkujoulu (Finnish Little Christmas) reception — the perfect way to celebrate innovation and friendship!
Learn more and register here.
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FFN Welcomes our new Curator of Special Exhibits: James Ronka! | |
We’re thrilled to welcome James Ronka as our new Curator for Special Exhibitions at Finlandia Foundation National!
A third-generation Finnish American with roots in the Cape Ann, Massachusetts Finnish community, Jim brings a unique blend of passion, expertise, and curiosity to our team. After retiring from the Navy, he found a second calling in the museum and heritage world—serving as a docent, archivist, and curator—and is now pursuing a Master’s in Public History at Liberty University, focusing on Finnish-American heritage.
Jim will focus on curating the “Price of Freedom” collection into a traveling exhibit concept, combining physical and digital components to tour Finlandia Foundation chapters and partner organizations nationwide. This fall marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and Jim will help:
- Convey the stories of the “Price of Freedom” collection to a modern audience
- Draw on historical events, artifacts, and facts to educate the public about Finland’s Winter War
- Highlight lessons from this history that remain relevant today
One especially fun fact? Jim competes in the biathlon—yes, the skiing and marksmanship event! We’re so excited to have him on board and can’t wait to see all he’ll bring to our growing cultural team.
We’re so excited to have Jim on board and can’t wait to see all he’ll bring to our growing cultural team. Welcome to the Team, Jim! 🇫🇮
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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 | | | | |
