April 10, 2021 9:30 a.m. PDT
Join the Swedish Finn Historical Society on April 10th for our first ever virtual annual meeting. We will be commemorating our 30th anniversary and we want to celebrate with all of you! It will be a remarkable experience to have Swedish Finns all over the world connected in real time! The event is FREE and attendees can log in for the film and meeting or for the meeting alone. We chose this time to accommodate as many time zones as possible.
9:30 a.m.
Film Var Bygd i Nord (details below)
10:00 a.m.
SFHS Beginnings: The Archivist & The Swedish Finn Sympathizer
Our Pandemic Year—A Short Update
A Look to the Future
10:50 a.m.
Moderated Q & A Session
RSVP via email:
info@swedishfinnhistoricalsociety.org
Or use the form below to RSVP and ask questions
Var Bygd i Nord
In 1950 Professor Otto Andersson of Åbo Akademi addressed the Order of Runeberg National Convention attendees in Seattle, Washington. He called for “a more enduring and effective contact between the Finland-Swedes on both sides of the ocean.” He outlined a program which was adopted by the convention. Inspired by Professor Andersson, Carl Helgren suggested that Åbo Akademi produce a 16 mm film featuring their students, the academy and its work, church life, and home life.
The English version of Var Bygd i Nord debuted in October, 1952 in Seattle, Washington. Professors Helmer Tegengren and Tor-Erik Lassenius directed the film and supervised the production. The narration was in English to appeal to the younger generation of Swedish Finns in North America.
For the next two years the film toured the O.R. lodges of North America. The funds raised by the screenings was divided—25% went to the individual lodge, 25% to O.R., and 50% was sent to Åbo Akademi. Then, in 2019 our member Curtis Johnson rescued the film reel from the basement of his parents’ house and donated it to SFHS. The film was digitized on March 2, 2020 just two weeks before COVID-19 shut down our office. So as the world is slowly emerging from this terrible pandemic we would like to share this lovely film about everyday life in Swedish-speaking Finland. Who knows? Maybe you will see a few cousins in the film!
RSVP below to save your spot!
