On Saturday, September 12th, the Finland Historical Society celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Finland Heritage Site. Musicians Gordon Thorne, Robin Sunquiet, and Anja McDermott provided vibrant entertainment for attendees throughout the fun-filled day. Highlights included a one-act play, family games and races, apple cider pressing, and butter-making demonstrations. The event also featured a tree dedication honoring two members for over a decade of dedicated service. The day concluded with a potluck supper, with meat, drinks, and cake generously provided by the society.
On January 21, 1986, eighteen local families convened the first annual meeting of the newly created Finland Minnesota Historical Society, which originally grew out of the Heart of the Arrowhead Association. Their founding goal was to preserve the 40-acre John Pine Homestead. Since then, a devoted group of volunteers has helped the vision and the Heritage Site flourish. Founding member Bonnie Tikkanen recently spoke at the Silver Bay Library about the site’s 40-year history. The Heritage Site allows area residents and visitors to explore and celebrate eastern Lake County’s settlement history.
Over the decades, the society has continually fulfilled its mission to collect, preserve, and interpret local history. Ongoing efforts include gathering oral histories, collecting artifacts, building farm implement displays, and partnering on educational projects with the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, School History Days, and local day camps. The site also hosts neighborhood gatherings, family reunions, picnics, showers, and weddings. Coming up, the society will present a video and history of Legacy Lake, located in Finland, and they welcome ideas from the community for future programming. Members stay updated through a regular newsletter.
Looking Ahead: 2027 Goals For 2027, the society aims to build a permanent 30×30 timber-frame pavilion to replace the worn-out tent that requires heavy setup from aging volunteers. Samples of the proposed design are currently on display in the Forestry Building.
Year-Round Events & Traditions The society stays active throughout the year, beginning with spring and fall site cleanup days.
Some key annual events include:
• Tori Marketplace & Music Festival: Running since 1999, this event features local artists, crafters, a flea market, blacksmith demonstrations, museum tours, kids’ activities, a silent auction, and great food.
• Pikku Joulu: Held in the winter at the Clair Nelson Center, this Finnish holiday celebration includes appetizers, a potluck dinner, live music, and the highlight, a visit from Joulupukki (the Finnish Santa).
• St. Urho’s Day Pancake Breakfast: A beloved spring tradition served with sausages, grapes (for Urhos), and beverages to jump-start the festivities.
Get Involved & Support
These traditions rely entirely on community support. While the society has several hundred members nationwide, only about 50 active local members and an 8-member Board of Directors manage ongoing operations. Continued member support and volunteer participation are vital to maintaining the site and expanding future outreach.
Annual membership is $20 for individuals and $25 for families. The public is also invited to attend the annual meeting every September, which features entertaining and educational programs.
Contact & Donation Information
- Bonnie Tikkanen, FMHS President: 218-353-7550 | tikkanenbonnie@yahoo.com
- Danette Sherman, Membership Secretary: 218-220-7409
- Mailing Address for Donations: FMHS, P.O. Box 583, Finland, MN 55603 (Please make checks payable to Finland MN Historical Society)
