Spirit of Finland

The Finnish Heritage Museum in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, is planning to erect a sculpture at the front of the museum. Titled "Spirit of Finland," it has been designed by Ken Valimaki, a 1955 graduate of Fairport Harding High School. The Finnish Heritage Museum website has a photo essay of the sculpture in progress. You can see that here.

Funds for the sculpture itself are in place, but additional funds for the base, the security system, and the lighting still need to be raised. Any amount you might wish to donate is welcome. The names of all donors at any level will be recorded in a memory book at the Finnish Heritage Museum. Donors at the $250 to $499 level will also have their names listed on a plaque outside near the sculpture. Donors at the $500 plus level will have their names listed on that plaque in larger type. Click here for the online donation form.

I have strong connections to Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Many of my maternal relatives were immigrants from Finland who ended up in Fairport. I've visited Fairport many times and still have many relatives there and in the area, including the current vice-president of the Finnish Heritage Museum, Ken Quiggle.

I'm proud to say I've written my check for a donation to the Spirit of Finland fund. Whether you're the descendant of Finnish immigrants to the USA or interested in preserving immigrant history or simply an art lover, I hope you'll consider donating, too.