Minister Erling Sande lays cornerstone for new Forest Finn Museum at Finnskogdagene celebration

Erling Sande, the Minister of Local Government and Districts, proudly laid the cornerstone for the new Forest Finn Museum during the opening of Finnskogdagene on Friday. The stone originates from Rantala, where the ancestral stone stands by Røgden, inscribed with 431 Finnish family names. This milestone is significant for all Forest Finns and the entire Glåmdal region.

The annual event Finnskogdagene, celebrated since the 1970s, commemorates the independence of Finnskogen and its distinct Forest Finn cultural traditions. These traditions have evolved since immigration from Finland in the 17th century. Hundreds of visitors are expected to attend this year’s events.

Erling Sande, together with the Mayor of Grue, Chairman Anders Jan Larsson, and youth representative Anne Marie Moen, laid the cornerstone.

Even Wiger, serving as the event’s Prime Minister for three days, is enthusiastic about the gathering. “It’s a lot of fun to be the Prime Minister of the event. We notice from the pre-sale for the theatre that there will be a lot of people,” he says. He praises the unique volunteer effort and the participation of the entire Finnskogen, stating that everyone’s diverse roles contribute to a successful event.

The Minister of Local Government and Districts believes that the museum will ensure future generations can learn about Forest Finn culture. He appreciates the effort put into creating the museum and organizing Finnskogdagene, calling it a pleasure to be a part of.

The construction site of the Forest Finn Museum was adorned with the Forest Finn flag for Finnskogdagene, where the cornerstone was placed. Activities during the event include horse kisses for children in the city centre on Saturday and literature enthusiasts can visit the Prayer House with Innlandet Authors’ Association.

The Finnskogen, a forest area in Innlandet County along the border with Sweden, derives its name from the Finns who cleared and settled the area around 1570, with peak immigration in the 1620s and 1640s. While the Finnish language is nearly extinct in the area, Finnish place names and cultural relics are still present. The area can be explored through the Finnskog Trail, a 240-kilometer long hiking trail, and the Finnskog Round, a 60-kilometer long trail around Lake Møkeren.