Independence Celebrated At Finlandia University–Event Marks Exhibit Opening

HANCOCK — In what was at least a wonderful coincidence, about 150 people turned out for Finlandia University’s annual celebration of Finland’s independence this year, which is the 150th year since the first Finns arrived in Hancock.

From the first note of the Finnish national anthem, to the last note of “Kotimaani Ompi Suomi” – the unofficial Finnish-American theme song of Hancock – everyone who came to the Sunday afternoon program at Finlandia University’s Finnish American Heritage Center was wowed by the variety and caliber of the program, which included a short theatrical performance, a speech about Finland before it became independent by Finnish American Heritage Center and Finland native Emppu Siltaloppi, a recitation by Finnish American Reporter intern and Finland native Mari Moilanen, and several musical selections.

While all who took part in the event were talented, the headliner for the day was Copper Country native Kris Kyrö, who took the stage several times to sing songs by noted Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, as well as to act with friend Sarah Rousseau in a one-act play she wrote specifically for this Independence Day. The play featured a mother living in Finland and her daughter in the U.S., and revolved around the letters they’d write to each other. The poignant script clearly struck a chord with several audience members, as some tears flowed and other audible expressions of emotion could be heard.

The emotions were equally obvious during pianist and Ewen native Daniel Grayvold’s powerful rendition of Sibelius’ “Finlandia”; Grayvold also accompanied Kyrö’s vocal performances.

The program also included several in-house performers, including the Kivajat Dancers and the Ilon Kaiku kantele ensemble, both of which were founded and practice at the Heritage Center. This year’s Hankooki Heikki honorees also have strong ties to the FAHC; John and Pauline Kiltinen of Marquette were this year’s selections, and both are members of Finlandia University’s Finnish Council in America, are active in numerous Finnish-American organizations that have Copper Country connections, and were the driving force behind the recent renovations in the FAHC’s Martha Wiljanen Community Hall.

The Kiltinens weren’t the only Marquette connection to this Independence Day event, which the university has hosted each year since Finland became independent in 1917. The day also marked the public unveiling of a new art glass and textile exhibit, “Äidin aarteita” (Mother’s Treasures) on loan to the Heritage Center from Lotta and Jay Stewart of Marquette. Eighteen textile pieces and 22 art glass items are on display in the Community Hall and the archive reading room at the FAHC; all of the items are from the personal collection of Helmi Osterberg (Lotta Stewart’s late mother).

The textiles include several Finnish types, such as ryijy, täkänä and raanu, while among the art glass pieces are signed pieces by Tapio Wirkkala, Timo Sarpaneva and Kaj Franck. All of these items were collected by Mrs. Osterberg, who was born in Viipuri, Finland but spent much of her life in Marquette, over a quarter-century period.

This exhibit will remain on display at least through the spring, and is open for viewing on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For further information about the exhibit, visit the Center, or call (906) 487-7347.