OUR STORY

OUR MISSION

Sharing the history and culture of Finland and Finnish America

The Finnish Center Association promotes and preserves Finnish and Nordic traditions and culture through social and educational activities for the public, on topics ranging from traditional foods and cooking, language, crafts and customs, festivals, literature, music, and gardening.

FCA has a core membership of over 500 people of all ages and regions of the U.S. and Canada, the majority of whom have Michigan roots and Finnish heritage.

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FINNISH CULTURE AND TRADITION

Today at FCA you’ll find pasty and pulla making and sales, Scandinavian markets, traditional music and costume, a library and gift shop, and many social opportunities. All the major Finnish holidays are celebrated including Vappu, Juhannus, and Finnish Independence Day.

As a chapter of Finlandia Foundation National, FCA hosts performers, musicians, writers, lecturers, and artists from the U.S., Canada and Finland and organizes public events to share these bright Finnish talents. FCA also promotes its local talent including the musical ensemble Soittoniekat/FinnFolk, the Finnish American Singers of Michigan, and the Nordic Heritage Folk Dancers.

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HISTORY

Michigan has a large Finnish population, many of whom emigrated from Finland in the 19th Century to work in the mining and logging industries in the Upper Peninsula. Many of their descendants later became employed in the auto and related industries in southeast Michigan. Proud of their Finnish culture, a group of devoted Finns came together to form the Finnish Center Association in 1966 as a means to socialize and pass on the cherished Finnish language, cooking and customs to their children and future generations.

The FCA Cultural Center was dedicated in 1974. In 1982, the increasing membership necessitated its expansion and renovations to the foyer and main hall. In 2024, the 50th anniversary of the cultural center was celebrated.