JOIN OUR $3 MILLION CAMPAIGN DEDICATED TO SAVING FINLAND IN AMERICA

If you are not familiar with this project, you will find background information, statements, videos and more below.

Finlandia Foundation National must raise $3 million by the end of 2023 to continue its work in preserving operations of the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan, and safeguarding the story of Finnish America for future generations.

FFN has rescued the archives, artifacts and programs of the Heritage Center, and we are on track to finalizing the purchase of the building.

We urgently request your help in meeting the needed $3 million by the end of this year.

Click here to make your contribution.

Or, you may mail a check to Finlandia Foundation National, 254 N. Lake Ave. #852, Pasadena, CA 91101. Thank you!

Click here for more about the $3 million fundraising campaign

FINNFEST 2023 PRESENTATION

We had a capacity crowd for our presentation at FinnFest USA in Duluth, Friday, July 28.
Watch the panel discussion and video at the FFN YouTube channel:

FFN Steps in to Preserve Cultural Assets Previously Held by Finlandia University

Finlandia University, founded in 1896 as Suomi College in Hancock, Michigan, announced its decision on March 2, 2023, to not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year. It was the only remaining institution of higher learning in North America founded by Finns.

Upon learning of the decision, the board of Finlandia Foundation National acted to assume responsibility for the many cultural assets of the university, and on June 15, FFN’s offer was accepted. The organization is now 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, War Museum and North Wind Books store.

“This is a positive outcome for what could have been an unacceptable fate for these precious materials, programs and resources,” says Anne-Mari Paster, FFN president. “This marks not the end, but the beginning of a new and meaningful project. We have our work to do in caring for these heritage items and planning for their future.

“It is absolutely compatible with why Finlandia Foundation was founded 70 years ago. We are here to preserve our roots in Finland, and at the same time build on that connection with the current and future generations. We consider this new purpose an honor and duty.”

Background on FFN efforts since March 2023

On July 6, FFN President Anne-Mari Paster released a video statement about the status of the “Saving Finland in America” project and the acquisition of the Finnish American Heritage Center, archives, artifacts and related assets.

View the video, or click the button below to read the statement.

If you wish to make a contribution to the program “Saving Finland in America,” please note that on the check you mail or in the comment section of the donation information at the link here.