Preserving Finnish Heritage

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“Hädässä ystävä tunnetaan.” “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

A group of people posing outdoors, seated and standing, dressed in formal and traditional attire with blue and white elements. Flags are displayed in the background, and a park with trees and a pavilion is visible.

Preserving
Finnish
Heritage

Welcome to the Knights
(and Ladies) of Kaleva Page

Greetings to all! Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Minnesota, Finland, and Beyond! We’re glad you’re here. The world is spinning fast, and technology changes often. My hope is that this website/monthly newsletter will help us keep in touch better. Something we Finns struggle greatly with. Get in touch with me if you want to contribute. ~Steve Solkela~

Newsletter
Resources
A display case features mannequins dressed in traditional European folk costumes with intricate embroidery. In front of the case, a table holds brochures, a globe, and framed pictures. The background shows a wooden cabinet and ornate ceiling.

Photos

A historic two-story brick building with a unique sloping roof, white columns, and a balcony. A sign reads

Convention

A person wearing a blue Finland cap plays an accordion and sings into a microphone. They appear to be performing outdoors, with a blurred plant in the foreground.
Logo for Finn Fest, featuring a stylized

Newsletter & More

Latest Newsletter

Categories

Knight & Lady Of The Month

Melvin Eino Mikkola
Sally Koski

Architecture Showcase

A serene rural scene with a white house featuring blue trim, surrounded by lush green grass and trees. A red barn stands nearby. A Finnish flag is displayed near a small garden. The sky is overcast with hints of sunlight peeking through.

September

Finn Creek Museum

New York Mills, MN

Learn More

Next Month: Red Lodge Montana

John Stone

Kaleva Founder

Our organization was founded back in 1898 by John Stone, a Finnish immigrant in Belt Montana. With the goal of providing opportunities for Finnish immigrants to find work, community, and create an archive of Finnish-American History.

Ladies of Kaleva joined in the fun in 1904.

It continues today! Get in touch with your Finnish Heritage and community now by joining a Tupa/Maja.

Full History
Contact

Famous Finn Of The Month

A Formula 1 driver in a racing suit stands with arms crossed next to a race car. The image has vibrant red and pink tones and features the text

Kimi Räikkönen
October 17, 1979

Learn More
A display case features mannequins dressed in traditional European folk costumes with intricate embroidery. In front of the case, a table holds brochures, a globe, and framed pictures. The background shows a wooden cabinet and ornate ceiling.

Learn Finnish

Suomi = Finland Sauna = Sauna Koti = Home Tietokone = Computer Hattu = Hat Ystävä = Friend ja = and Kantapää = the heel of a loaf of bread

REsources
A historic two-story brick building with a unique sloping roof, white columns, and a balcony. A sign reads

Active Majas/Tupas

A lot has happened in 126 years. Some chapters have folded, some are alive and well. I hope to visit all of them in my travels.

~Steve Sisu Solkela~

MorE Info
A person wearing a blue Finland cap plays an accordion and sings into a microphone. They appear to be performing outdoors, with a blurred plant in the foreground.

Tell Us

I want to hear your stories. Honor your ancestors and their sacrifices. Live the better life that they never could have imagined.

Contact
A serene rural scene with a white house featuring blue trim, surrounded by lush green grass and trees. A red barn stands nearby. A Finnish flag is displayed near a small garden. The sky is overcast with hints of sunlight peeking through.

Become a Member

Find a Kaleva Organization near you!

Membership Info

Watts Häppänen?

Hello y’all! I’m your friendly Finnish friend Watts Häppänen! Click on me to see the calendar!