The Swedish Finn Historical Society

Mission

Our mission is to gather and preserve the emigration history of Swedish Finns across the world, connect Swedish Finns to their roots in Finland, and celebrate our cultural heritage.

About SFHS

Today, approximately 5.6% of the current Finnish population are Swedish-speaking Finns. This history of Swedish-speaking Finns dates back several centuries to when Finland was under Swedish rule and trade was prominent along the Baltic coast.

In the 1830's, Swede Finns moved to Alaska and beyond. Another period of emigration occurred in 1848 when gold was discovered in California. The Great Emigration occurred between 1860-1940. 390,000 people, 70,000 of which were Swedish speaking, left Finland.

People left Finland due to difficult times, overpopulation compared to available land, threats of conscription into the Russian army, lack of economic opportunity, smaller farms and the perception that opportunities were better elsewhere. They left families, traditions, culture and a unique lifestyle.

The Swedish Finn Historical Society was founded in 1991 by descendants of Swedish-speaking emigrants from Finland interested in preserving the cultural heritage of their families. There are now about 700 members from around the world in this unique organization.

In Washington, Swede Finns settled in communities within Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Everett, South Bend, Hoquiam, Aberdeen, Port Angeles, Anacortes and Rochester. Are you a descendant of a Swede Finn emigrant?

The Swedish Finn Historical Society can help you learn more about your ancestors and to reconnect with your Swede Finn culture and family. 

2023 - 2024 Accomplishments & Goals

• Successful launch of our new publication, 'Kusiner' (Cousins). Issues told stories about Immigration, the Åland Islands, Midsummer Celebrations (in Finland & North America) and will offer an extensive guide about the operation of the Swedish Finn Historical Society.
  
  
• Continued hosting virtual, international 'Coffee Hours' Thursday mornings.  Already held were 'Coffee Hours' from the Finnish parish of Narpes, the Swedish Finn community of Worchester, Massachusetts and with the photographer, Arno Rafeal Minkkinen who talked about 'Finntown: The Movie That Must be Made'.  More to follow!
  
  
• Dick Erikson, SFHS Board Treasurer rounded up another 'Annual Heritage Tour' of southern and western Finland for twenty members this past  summer, 2023.  Visiting with known and long-lost relatives was a highlight! The next tour will be in June 2025.
  
  
• SFHS Members:  Do you have a few extra hours to volunteer in 2023? Are you ready to give something back to your Swedish Finn roots? SFHS has opportunities for you!  Please copy this link into your browser and read about volunteer opportunities! https://www.swedishfinnhistoricalsociety.org/volunteer/