Finlandssvensk Archives - Swedish Finn Historical Society

PRESIDENT ALEXANDER STUBB Doubles as an Endurance Athlete

May 15, 2026

Internationally known for his insights on European security, Finland's President Alexander Stubb is also among the world's most athletic leaders. Balancing the presidency with endurance sports, he relies on a strict routine and Finnish sisu—whether navigating global politics or secretly medaling in local triathlons.

Bomärken (Marks) in Swedish Ostrobothnia – by Dick Erickson

January 2, 2026

This article explores the historical significance of bomärken (farm and property marks) in Swedish-speaking Finland, illustrated through the author's family roots in Ytteresse. It details how these unique geometric symbols were used to identify property, track family lineages across generations, and authenticate goods prior to widespread literacy. By showcasing preserved family artifacts—including marked wooden shovel handles dating back to 1828—the text highlights bomärken as a lasting cultural link to ancestral heritage and community life.

Swede Finn Music in the News!

May 14, 2025

KAJ and their song ‘Bara Bada Bastu’ moves to the Eurovision Finals! At Day One of the Semi Finals, KAJ places FIRST in the Audience Favorite poll. In…

Svenska dagen

November 6, 2023

Svenska dagen or Swedish Finn Heritage Day is a unique holiday that was established in 1908 by the Swedish People’s Party of Finland—nine years before Finland gained…

Amerikakören 1960

April 11, 2023

During the summer of 1960 a choir from the Swedish speaking parts of Finland visited the US and Canada. This was the first visit of a…

Övermark—A Visit in 1942

By Albert Brommels, from ”Den Österbottniska Byn”.Translated by June Pelo. In the summer of 1942 Johan Henriksson visited his birthplace in Övermark in Swedish Österbotten.…

Rödsö Village, Karleby Parish

October 17, 2022

By Verner Läxstrom, 1947.Translated from “Den Österbottniska Byn” by June Pelo in 1985. After leaving Gamlakarleby on Uleåborg Road and turning left, one comes on an…

Finns Who Speak Swedish

Excerpts from “Insight Guides – Finland”.Translated by June Pelo. Swedish-speaking parents in Finland face hard choices. If their own Swedish mother tongue is to continue, their…

Poems by Edith Södergran

November 19, 2021

Landet som icke är Jag längtar till landet som icke är, ty allting som är, är jag trött att begära. Månen berättar mig i silverne runor…

The Hanna Asp Diary—Part Five

November 18, 2021

The following are excepts from the diary of Hannah Asp during a summer that she worked for the John Olin family near Chinook, Washington. A copy…

The Diary of Hanna Asp—Part Three

November 17, 2021

Hanna Asp was the daughter of Anders and Maria Asp (Aspnäs in Finland). Hanna immigrated to the United States in 1888 with her family from Pedersöre,…

The Diary of Hanna Asp—Part Two

November 17, 2021

Hanna Asp was the daughter of Anders and Maria Asp (Aspnäs in Finland). Hanna immigrated to the United States in 1888 with her family from Pedersöre,…