The most important independent source of support for
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.
One of our most popular Finnposiums took place on October 23, 2025, featuring an exclusive screening of a new ethnographic documentary about Finland, Minnesota—a rural community celebrated for its rich history, vibrant traditions, and enduring spirit of resilience.
The film, supported by a Finlandia Foundation National grant, highlighted the 50th Anniversary of St. Urho’s Day, complete with grapes, grasshoppers, and the crowning of Miss Helmi, while also exploring the town’s historic landmarks, name origins, and close-knit cultural identity.
Ville Besonen and Isaac (Arvo) Hanson, students at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, shared their creative process and insights into Finnish-American life, offering an inspiring look at how heritage continues to shape this remarkable community.
The Flying Finn Challenge: Run for Legacy, Culture, and Sisu. This year marks 100 years since the legendary “Flying Finn,” Paavo Nurmi, raced across the United States—competing in 53 races and setting 40 records. Today, we honor his extraordinary legacy and the enduring spirit of Finnish excellence. Our executive director, Thomas Flanagan, is taking on the challenge of running 10 10Ks leading up to Giving Tuesday, December 2. Now it’s your turn to celebrate sisu, support Finland Foundation initiatives, and honor Finnish-American culture. How you can join: Run: Take on a 10K (or more!) and share your runs. Donate: Support Finland Foundation cultural programming and initiatives. Show your spirit: Download our Flying Finn badge and add it to your posts—let the world know you’re running for Finnish and Finnish-American culture! Let’s run together, 100 years later, in honor of Paavo Nurmi and the legacy of the Flying Finn.
Through Giving Tuesday, December 2, 2025
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