The purpose of the Anchorage Suomi-Finland Club is to carry on the fellowship of Finnish people and to promote and enhance the appreciation of Finnish culture.

Persons eligible for membership must be 16 years of age; and of Finnish descent or be a person having a strong interest in the Finnish culture.

The club is a social organization. The general membership meets monthly from September through May. Meetings include a hosted or potluck meal with occasional after-dinner activities that have included viewing Finnish films, special guest speakers and demonstrations.

Annual events include the New Year "Uuden Vuoden Tinan Valu" lead pouring, "Urhonpäivä" St Urho's Day, Mad Hatter Party, May 1st Celebration "Vapunpäivä", Midsummer Picnic "Juhannusjuhla" and Christmas Party "Pikkujoulujuhla".

The club has hosted special dinners or receptions for various Finnish dignitaries which have included Finland's Consulate General and the Ambassador to Finland; Finnish artists, sculptors, musicians and dance groups; and national sports teams in hockey, Nordic skiing; and numerous private visitors from Finland.

The Anchorage Suomi-Finland Club is one of the oldest ethnic organizations in the State of Alaska. Established in 1920 as a social and dance club for Finnish people to gather dance and have the opportunity to speak their native language, Finnish.

The first hall (building) of the club was build in 1923. Located at Anchorage 5th avenue and Cordova street, which was expanded 1950's and again in the 1960's as the organization grew. The current clubhouse, Finlandia Hall, located in South Anchorage was completed in 1987. The building was designed to resemble a "town-hall-like" building like those found in rural Finland.

Current members include people who where born in Finland, people of Finnish descent, people who have lived in Finland, those that are "Finnish by marriage" and people who have a strong interest in Finland, the culture and language. There are even families that have three generations of members.

The Anchorage-Suomi Finland Club's facility is available to the general public to rent for parties, receptions, weddings, meetings, seminars and classes.

The main meeting room is 1240 square feet with an occupancy rating for 107 people. This facility is handicapped accessible and has a commercial rated kitchen.

For more rental information and rates please call:

907 349-8883

For membership and meeting information:

Call Nancy 907 274-4644

Anchorage Suomi-Finland Club Inc.
PO BOX 91215
8225 Spring Street
Anchorage, AK 99509