Finlandia Foundation National Will Host a Celebration of the Community Next Week in Hancock

Finlandia Foundation National will take another step to become more familiar with the local area next week. Starting on Thursday the 11th, FFN will hold its annual board meeting in Hancock, alongside several free community events. Many of Finlandia Foundation board members and staff will visit the area for the first time during the three-day Hancock celebration.

Since taking ownership of the Finnish American Heritage Center and its artifacts, Finlandia Foundation National has worked to raise supportive funds through Saving Finland in America campaign. FFN will use the funds from the campaign to support preservation efforts, and continued programming with the Finlandia Art Gallery, Finnish American Folk School, Price of Freedom Museum, and the Finnish American Reporter.

Next Thursday will kick off the celebration in Hancock with the Kahvi Ja Nisu Meet and Greet at the Nsiu Bakery. Friday will see two events with a Re-opening ribbon cutting at the Heritage Center and an opening reception at the Finlandia Art Gallery in the evening. Saturday’s event to close out the Finlandia Foundaiton National celebration will include a lecture and book signing with Hanna Pylvainen, author of The End Drum-Time. Find more information on the community celebration in Hancock here. Organizers do ask attendees to please RSVP for events they plan to attend. 

Community Celebration in Hancock Events:

Thursday, April 11, 3:00-4:45 p.m.: Kahvi ja Nisu Meet & Greet with FFN Trustees and guests over Finnish pastries and coffee from Nisu Bakery & Cafe at Finnish American Heritage Center.

Friday, April 12, 1:30-2:15 p.m.: Finnish American Heritage Center Re-Opening with ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks, performances and flag raising.

Friday, April 12, 7:00 p.m.: Heather Allen Hietala’s “Evolution” opening reception with refreshments and 7:20 pm artist talk at Finlandia Art Gallery, Finnish American Heritage Center.

Saturday, April 12, 3:00-5:00 p.m.: Hanna Pylväinen Lecture & Book Signing with the author of The End of Drum-Time, hosted by North Wind Books at Chapel of St. Matthew, 532 West Franklin Street.