The Finnish American Heritage Society of Canterbury recently completed a project to increase visibility and awareness of its facility, collections and archives with the help of a grant from The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV).

Awarded in the fall of 2016, the $2,500 grant was more than matched by the society’s own fund-raising efforts and was for the creation of an outdoor sign and professional labels for its museum and archival items. 

“Preserving The Last Green Valley’s unique history and culture to ensure it can be passed on to future generations is an important part of our mission,” said Lois Bruinooge, executive director of TLGV. 

“The Finnish American Heritage Society proposed a unique project that also helps us fulfill our mission. These grants can often mean the difference between a project like this getting done or languishing.”

The Finnish Hall Building, located on Route 169 in Canterbury, was built in 1924 by the Finnish American Education Association. 

While always owned by a group of Finns, the Finnish American Heritage Society formed in 1987 and has been steadily renovating and restoring the building since then. An addition that includes an office, the museum, a library and the archives was dedicated in October 1998. 

“The Finnish American Heritage Society board and members appreciate the long-term relationship and support from The Last Green Valley over the past many years,” said Stanley Karro, the project director and vice president for the Finnish American Heritage Society. 

“We especially thank the organization for the most recent grant, which allowed us to acquire a new sign at the Finnish Hall in Canterbury and add better definition to our museum presentation with guidance and resources from the Connecticut Historical Society.  Our recent Walktober art show event, called FACES at FAHS, allowed our visitors to better appreciate the history and current activities of our Finnish Heritage Society.”