June Pelo, a dedicated genealogist

By June Pelo. She recounts how her first trip to Finland in 1965 sparked a lifelong passion for genealogy, particularly tracing emigrant roots between Karleby and the United States. Her meticulous research has connected countless individuals across continents, preserving personal histories and forgotten ties. With deep familial insights and the help of local contacts, Pelo has built a remarkable archive of stories that illuminate the lives of Ostrobothnian emigrants and their descendants.

Genealogy Research by June Pelo

By June Pelo Getting Started Start your research at home. Interview your parents and relatives for any bits of information. Ask for old letters, documents, photographs…

Waiting to go to America

This is the story of the life of Aina (Teeri) Maki Nyman, born in Kampinkyla, Kurikka, Finland on 1 January 1907.  Aina died at age 85…

Emigration to North America

“Rödsöboken”, by Ole GranholmEnglish translation by June Pelo The great emigration to North America began at the close of the 1800’s and the beginning of the…