Gazette File Photo There's plenty of activity at the Finnish American Heritage Center next week, including music, dancing and a well deserved award.

HANCOCK — One of the Copper Country’s longstanding advocates for Finnish-American heritage preservation is being honored by the state, a pair of authors will lead a discussion about famed Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi, and an exhibit explaining why the Finns came to the Copper Country is opening. And that’s just on Monday.

The Finnish American Heritage Center has created a slate of programming for Monday through Wednesday of next week (Aug. 4-6) that’s sure to provide something of interest to anyone, whether they’re just passing through or have lived here in the heart of Finnish America for decades. For three days, the Center will provide an immersion in the area’s most predominant culture with some multi-talented folks providing a multi-faceted program.

Events get under way fein 4 – 5:30 p.m. with a discussion and book signing featuring the authors of “The Phantom Finn,” a new book about how the world’s greatest runner (Paavo Nurmi) bridged the gap between Finland and the U.S. The highlight of Monday’s activities is the presentation of the Michigan Heritage Award to Kay Seppala, the director of the Kivajat youth folk dance group for more than 20 years. Seppala will receive the award at 6:30 p.m. at the Heritage Center, during a program that also includes a performance by the current members of the dance group.

The Finnish fun continues at 10 a.m. Tuesday with a two-hour block of Finnish American Folk School workshops at the School’s headquarters at Skyline Commons on Michigan Street in Hancock. The fee for the workshops is $20 per person; advance registration is required. For details about the workshops, visit finnishamericanfolkschool.com.

That afternoon, at the Heritage Center, the FAHC’s Finnish Language Coffee Hour will provide visitors with an opportunity to practice their language skills in a low-stakes casual environment. The coffee hour is open to all skill levels, and coffee is provided.

Tuesday’s programming is highlighted by a concert by the Finnish International Choir, a group of talented singers who are headed to Hancock fresh off a performance at FinnFest 2025 in Duluth, Minnesota. For a suggested donation of $20 at the door, music lovers and fans of Finnish culture can enjoy the talents of the choir (including both local, regional and international performers) as well as the local kantele ensemble.

Programming wraps up on Wednesday evening when the Finnish International Choir combines with several Copper Country musical groups and individuals to host a community sing-along. This event is open to all; donations are appreciated but no registration is required.

For more information about any of these programs, contact the Finnish American Heritage Center at 906-487-7549 or the Finnish American Folk School at 906-370-3722.