Exhibit Opening Reception: Sisu and Creativity: Finnish Cultural Heritage in Connecticut

We invite CMCH members and special guests to join us for the Opening Reception for Sisu and Creativity: Finnish Cultural Heritage in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History is partnering with the Finnish American Heritage Society (FAHS) based in Canterbury CT to present art works, images, and documentation of the community’s history from the FAHS archives, one of the largest Finnish collections in the country. Opening on March 21 and on view until May 6, the exhibit will explore central characteristics of Finns in Connecticut – their agricultural cooperatives; the built environment including farms, barns, and community halls; the saunas constructed by every family as a social gathering place; the festivals celebrating important Finnish holidays; and the many artistic and musical traditions still practiced throughout the community. 2017 marks the centenary of Finland’s independence from Russia, as well as the 30^th anniversary of the founding of FAHS. The CT Cultural Heritage Arts Program at CMCH has collaborated with FAHS on several traditional arts apprenticeships teaching weaving, sauna building, woodcarving, and birch bark weaving which will be highlighted in the exhibit. CMCH and FAHS will present a bus tour and culinary experience in eastern Connecticut on April 22.

The exhibit opening reception will take place at the CMCH on Friday March 24 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm and will feature speakers from the Finnish community, along with Finnish folk music.

Please let us know if you are able to join us by March 17. Call (860) 236-5621 x238 or email rsvp@chs.org.