The Finnish Heritage Museum Celebrates Both Culture And A Small Town Near Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published June 02, 2021
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Northeast Ohio is filled with gems. It’s worth venturing outside of Greater Cleveland to see what the area has to offer, as Buckeye State culture certainly seems to change a bit whether you’re near the nautical Lake Erie coast or the peaceful countryside. Today, we’re going to take a trip to Fairport Harbor, a town about half an hour from Cleveland, to explore a small town museum that’s making a big impact. Ohio’s Finnish Heritage Museum is an unexpected find in the community, and its collections are truly a treat to see. Check it out:
Over in Fairport Harbor is a welcoming museum that celebrates Finnish heritage and history.
Small but mighty, the Finnish Heritage Museum is a local gem. It celebrates cultural heritage in a nation built by immigrants, and it explores the traditions brought to the U.S. and maintained back home.
Here, staff and volunteers have thoughtfully crafted displays to educate visitors about important moments and figures in Finnish and Finnish-American history.
Every aspect of life is explored in their exhibits, from home and leisure to church and work. Works of art, toys, textiles, and more eagerly await visitors and shed light upon the past, present, and a bright future.
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Textiles, glass, ceramics, and more adorn their collections, offering a glimpse into tradition.
Letters and postcards are among the most personal items, lending a voice to ancestors and family members. Handmade items also have an emotional connection, and some keepsakes, like 1952 Olympics souvenirs, show a glimpse into a past that momentarily captivated the whole world.
Virtual exhibits on their newly renovated website will offer curious visitors a chance to interact with objects that aren't quite right for exhibition. Whether they're a bit fragile or are on the rare side, this ensures objects are protected but still available to the public.
As you're getting to know the museum, you'll also get a glimpse into local history: the building once served as a town hall, a fire station, and a police department.
Before the museum opened in 2007, this building underwent extensive renovation to preserve and protect the integrity of the building. In its walls are years of history, which visitors can't help but admire. Of course, there's also a cool sculpture right outside the building, too... be sure to stop and read the plaque by it to learn its story!
In the past, performances, murder mystery dinners, and other events have engaged the public in interesting ways.
Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the museum to shut down for a while to protect its team and community. While it only recently had a soft opening, the future looks bright. Connect with them on Facebook to stay tuned for upcoming announcements and exhibits.
The team at the Finnish Heritage Museum has woven together passion, tradition, and history to create a space where you can explore and learn. Add this destination to your Fairport Harbor-area bucket list!
You can find this cool museum at 301 High St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077.
Ohio’s Finnish Heritage Museum is an unexpected find in Fairport Harbor, but it proves that hidden gem museums are oftentimes as cool as (if not cooler than, depending on the subject matter) big museums that oftentimes get more attention. Have you ever visited this historic spot? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
While you’re in Fairport Harbor, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the cutest ghost cat in town. If small-town museums delight you, you’ll have to swing by The Sanctuary Museum in Lakewood, too!
On this list, take in Cleveland’s top attractions.
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