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October 2, 2025
Hancock, MI – September 17, 2025 – A delegation of community leaders from Hancock, Michigan, travelled to Finland and Estonia in September to strengthen cultural ties,
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September 3, 2025
The evolution of sauna tradition was a common theme during the sauna seminar at this year’s FinnFest. We attended the FinnFest Sauna Seminar on July 31 in Duluth,
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May 8, 2025
CHICAGO, IL — Finlandia Foundation National (FFN) gathered its board, chapter leaders, young professionals, cultural advocates,
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June 16, 2025
After an exciting National Sauna Week 2025, we had connected with so many incredible global leaders in the sauna world that we suddenly
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September 8, 2025
Did you know there used to be a Finnish university in Hancock, Michigan? For more than a century, Finlandia University stood as the longest surviving educational institution in the U.S.
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Finlandia Foundation National is now affiliated with nearly 60 organizations in 25 states and Washington, D.C. To join an already established chapter, please contact that chapter directly. If there is no available contact information, we will forward your message for you.
Join us on October 23rd 9am Pacific/1pm Eastern 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.
At FinnFest 2025, Finlandia Foundation National (FFN) is presented a dynamic lineup of programs that highlighted Finnish culture, leadership, and innovation. In partnership with the Embassy of Finland and Fulbright Finland, FFN co-hosted a panel to raise awareness about diverse Fulbright opportunities, featuring remarks by the Ambassador and curated by Ed Spivak. FFN’s Performer of the Year, Charlotte Loukola, took the Tori stage with her powerful musical performance, and Lecturer of the Year, Eero Kilpi, gave presentations and joined the Sauna Seminar panel. A Marimekko fashion show, oral history recordings, and a high-level networking event with Young Leaders and Ambassador Mikkola were also highlights that weekend. Additional events included a Finnish Heritage Night at the Duluth Huskies baseball game and FFN’s ongoing support for exhibits and talks at the Nordic Center art gallery and Hancock Folk School.
July 31 – Aug 3 | Duluth DECC
2025 held a record-breaking celebration of the Finnish sauna tradition, engaging thousands of sauna enthusiasts across the U.S. and beyond. Next year’s event will feature an exciting mix of in-person and online experiences, bringing the warmth of Finnish culture to communities everywhere.
With the closing in 2023 of Finlandia University, which was founded in 1896 as Suomi College, FFN stepped in to become the caretaker of the Finnish American Heritage Center and its extensive archives and artifacts, the monthly Finnish American Reporter, the Finnish American Folk School, the Art Gallery, Price of Freedom Museum and North Wind Books store.
As the premier Finnish-American cultural organization, Finlandia Foundation National champions a vibrant Finnish-American heritage and legacy, and builds bridges between modern Finland and the United States, enabling people of all backgrounds to share in the traditions, values, and spirit of Finland and Finnish America.
When you join Finlandia Foundation National, you become a part of the largest Finnish-American network in the United States.
Located in Hancock, Michigan—the heart of Finnish America and recently named the Finno-Ugric Cultural Capital of the World—the Finnish American Heritage Center offers a deep dive into Finnish and Finnish-American history and culture. As the home of Finlandia Foundation National, the Center now offers free guided tours every Thursday and on the second Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. through the fall season. No reservations needed; donations appreciated. Come experience the stories, traditions, and legacy that continue to shape our community.
Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy St, Hancock, MI
Tours: Thursdays + Second Saturdays at 11 a.m. (walk-ins welcome!)
Free admission | Donations appreciated
Groups of 8+ please call 906-487-7217