Who was June Pelo?
June Pelo conducted genealogical research for over 50 years, tracing her family’s history as far back as the 15th century. Along the way, she discovered connections to Sibelius, Runeberg, and Mannerheim, but her true passion laid in helping others find their roots and forming a vital link between American immigrant families and their Finnish origins.
Source: Katternö digital (in Swedish)
“Most people are only interested in their close relatives, but I encouraged everyone to search a little further. You never know which pieces will fall into place and what fascinating connections you might uncover.”
June Pelo
Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, June Pelo later settled in Florida. Her maternal grandfather had emigrated from the village of Pelo in Alaveteli. She spent many years working for the United States government in Washington, D.C., including positions with the Navy’s civilian division and the Department of the Treasury, where she prepared budget proposals for Congress. A long-standing member of the Swedish-Finn Historical Society, she maintained her own genealogical website, wrote and translated numerous articles and research reports, and she was one of the few living genealogists who still remembered the early emigrants, and preserved their stories for future generations.
Amerikan Suometar – award of excellence
Not only was June honored with the Finland Society’s Silver Badge of Merit in 2007 she also won the Finlandia University’s American Suomitar Award of Excellence in 2021.
The Amerikan Suometar recognizes exceptional efforts to preserve Finnish-American history and identity. It is given by the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan, which is a part of Finlandia University.
The Amerikan Suometar takes its name from the former Finnish language newspaper, Amerikan Suometar (1899-1962), which was printed at Suomi College’s Finnish Lutheran Book Concern (Suomalais-luterilainen kustannustliike). Much like sisu, the phrase is difficult to translate well, but implies “America’s Lady Finland.”
The symbol of the pendant, the hannunristi (St. Johannes’ Cross) is attributed to St.
John, the Baptist, and yet also has pre-Christian roots in Finland.
Recipients of the Amerikan Suometar awards receive a viri (table pendant) created in Finland specifically for this award. The design was used as a protective symbol on buildings – in particular barns, similar to Pennsylvanian Dutch hex sign traditions, and similarly, the symbol has been a popular motif on carved and embroidered items. In the 1950s the Finnish Local Heritage Federation (Kotiseutuliitto) recognized the hannunristi as a Finnish cultural symbol.
Her Stories
Aina Carlson Lived in Two Worlds—Närpes & Florida
August Alfred Strand—Bridging the Past & Present
Community Meetings & Farming Traditions
We can preserve the stories together
You can support our mission to preserve heritage in many ways—by joining as a member, contributing to the growth of our DEE database, volunteering your time, or making a donation. Even just sharing your Swedish Finn background with others makes a difference. When you tell your story, you help others discover the meaningful ties to their own roots.
Volunteer
The Swedish Finn Historical Society thrives thanks to our dedicated volunteers. We offer opportunities in research, translation, and event assistance. Visit our volunteer page or call us to get involved!
Help expand our emigrant data base
Become a SFHS Member and help us expand emigrant data base. As a member you get access to our digital emigrant archive DEE, among other things.
Support SFHS
Your tax deductible donation enables us to connect the descendants of Swedish Finn emigrants all over the world to their roots in Finland.
