HANCOCK, Mich. (WZMQ) – Friday, April 12th marked an important milestone for those who represent the Finnish-American heritage in the Copper Country. The National Finlandia Foundation visited Hancock for its annual board meeting, and also for the start of revitalizing what is the Finnish American Heritage Center.
“We’re sort of reopening and re-dedicated the Finnish American Heritage Center building and Northerwood books that we acquired in January,” commented Finlandia Foundation Executive Director Thomas Flanagan.
“I think what the sea of people that are here today represent is just how wide-reaching and wide-ranging our mission here at the heritage center is,” commented the Director of the Finnish American Heritage Center David Maki
Ronald Hill, the President of the Lake Superior Chapter of the Finlandia Foundation noted that the history is something not to forget, but celebrate. From the art in the gallery and the music to the people that make these traditions historical, Hill said it’s imperative even with the university now closed. “Violin music violin was a very popular instrument in Finland but here, everybody knows the accordion is a symbol of Finnish music,” commented Hill.
Over 3 million dollars has been donated from around the country to the Foundation to keep the historical factors of the building there. “The purpose of today is to really mark this as a new era for the heritage center for the bookstore and all of it as one to say we’re looking to a new future and it’s a bright future,” continued Flanagan.
Ronald said it makes him proud to think of the future of these customs and traditions, and the way new generations take to caring for Finnish heritage. “It’s amazing the interest we have from young folks that are of finnish heritage in particular that want to retain something that their grandparents great-grand parents, great great grandparents all experienced,” continued Hill
Finlandia Foundation National noted although the plans and updates to the building and campus are still to be determined, preservation of the historical aspects of the heritage center is an ideal first step in that process.
