Swede Finn Junction - Page 2 of 21 - Swedish Finn Historical Society

Hunting Moose (älg) in Östrobothnia – by Dick Erickson

Deeply rooted in Östrobothnia, moose hunting seamlessly blends wildlife conservation, strict quota regulation, and centuries-old community traditions. Focusing on the Esse hunting club, the overview covers everything from specialized dog training to shared meat processing and fireside meals, showcasing how the seasonal älg hunt strengthens local identity and social ties.

Are you my cousin? – by Carl V. Lillvik

This edition of the Occasional Dispatch looks at a personal example of how brothers born in the US moved back to Finland with their Finnish family, returned to the US several years later and ended up with totally different last names. There is an explanation you likely haven't heard before.

From the Past – Potatoes sustained Finland for years

Potatoes were served at nearly every dinner my mother or father prepared. Doesn't everyone eat potatoes? Lots of them? My favorite is fresh boiled new potatoes dripping with butter and lightly seasoned with a dash of salt and pepper. Just off the plane where I explored Finland this summer, I am happy to report that the potato is still a favorite on the menu! Let's take a look at the ever popular potato.

Events

Nina Katchadourian: Origin Stories

The National Nordic Heritage Museum to feature a special exhibition Nina Katchadourian: Origin Stories Nina is an interdisciplinary artist whose work includes video, performance, sound, sculpture,…

Swede Finn Music in the News!

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…

Happy Finnish Independence Day

Some graphics for Independence Day 2024 that can also be found on our Facebook page.

Genealogy

Migration and relationships over the Gulf of Bothnia

Across generations, close ties of migration and marriage bridged the Gulf of Bothnia between Sweden and Finland. Parish registers and family chronicles continue to reveal how deeply shared these coastal roots truly are.

Swedish Finns

Larry Sandell 1932–2024

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of our longest serving volunteers, Larry Sandell. He was also one of our oldest—older than dirt he frequently claimed. However, official documents contend he was merely 91 years old. The records tell us that Lawrence Alfred Sandell was born December 14, 1932 in Rochester, Washington to Alfred Sandell and Edith Strand. The record fails to mention that one hundred percent of his DNA came from Terjärv, Finland.

Events

Akademiska Sångföreningen 2024 Tour North America’s West Coast

On May 13, 1848 university students gathered in a meadow near Helsingfors to celebrate a spring festival. A choir, conducted by Fredrik Pacius, gave the first…

Finnish Deaths at Northern Hospital

The Swedish Finn Historical Society has made a significant discovery from the recently digitized death register by The Seattle Times. We have identified approximately 130 Finnish…

Events

Ædnan by Linnea Axelsson

Join us on February 5, 2024, 7:00 PM at Elliot Bay Books in Seattle. Author Linnea Axelsson will be joined by Amy Swanson King of Pacific Sami Searvi and Sasha LaPointe from the Upper Skagit and Nooksack Indian Tribe. There will be a panel discussion. SFHS is a co-presenter of this event. If you live outside of the Seattle area, see the tour listing below.

Svenska dagen

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…

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