Finger Lakes Finns

The Finger Lakes Finns is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Finnish-American heritage in the southern Finger Lakes region of New York. This area includes rural communities around Spencer, Van Etten, Newfield, Ithaca, Danby, Trumansburg, and Interlaken.

History

The organization was founded in 1968 by Finnish families who sought to maintain their cultural heritage while integrating into American society. Families such as the Huttunens, Washburns, and Vaananens were among the founding members. The initial gathering, announced through a newspaper advertisement for a potluck dinner at Stewart Park in Ithaca, drew significant interest from the local Finnish community.

Objectives and Activities

Finger Lakes Finns focuses on cultural and educational activities to celebrate Finnish culture. Members meet monthly, typically on the third Sunday of each month, often at the Newfield Fire Hall. These meetings include communal meals, discussions, and cultural events. The organization hosts various activities throughout the year, such as celebrations of Finnish holidays like Juhannus and Kekri, Trivia games, and film screenings of Finnish movies.

Cultural Impact

The Finnish community in the Finger Lakes region has played a significant role in local agriculture, particularly in revitalizing farms and introducing chicken farming. They also introduced the Finnish tradition of sauna, which was novel to the American lifestyle but is integral to Finnish culture. The organization's efforts to preserve cultural heritage have been instrumental in maintaining Finnish traditions among both Finnish-Americans and those interested in Nordic cultures.

Membership and Structure

Membership is open to individuals interested in Finnish culture, with annual dues of $10 per person. Members participate in cultural activities, receive newsletters, and support the organization's mission to foster a sense of community among those with Finnish roots.

Legacy

The Finger Lakes Finns continues to be a vibrant part of the local community by hosting cultural events and activities that celebrate Finnish heritage while embracing broader Nordic traditions. Its legacy is marked by its role in fostering cultural exchange and preserving history about Finnish settlements in the region.

[1] https://sites.google.com/site/fingerlakesfinns/home/about-flf [2] https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/who-knew-finns-in-the-finger-lakes/ [3] https://sites.google.com/site/fingerlakesfinns/home [4] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/161544714 [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/16-1544714