This site is operated by the Gastineau Channel Historical Society (GCHS) to provide information about the operations of the GCHS. Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Juneau, Alaska, the GCHS is a non-profit organization that promotes the history of the Gastineau Channel area, operates the Last Chance Mining Museum, and cares for the Sentinel Island Lighthouse.
May 12, 2009
GCHS FinnFest Activities on May 20, 2009
In conjunction with FinnFest USA 2009, the GCHS is co-host of FinnFest’s 2009 activities Juneau on May 20, 2009. The primary activities for the public begin at 1:00pm at the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall on Willoughby Avenue. At 1:00 p.m., FinnFest registrants, and Finnish-Alaskans from the Juneau area, are invited to the Alaskan Native Brotherhood Hall for a program celebrating shared Finnish heritage. Participants will be greeted by Rep. Beth Kerttula, Democratic Minority Leader for the Alaska State House of Representatives, who is of Finnish ancestry. In addition to welcome particpants, Kerttula will share some of her family's personal and political history and answer questions from FinnFest participants.
Additional activities include promoting the sharing of Finnish-Alaskan family histories, which will enlarge the story about Alaska and Finns. Attendees can gain more insight on this from a panel organized by members of the Gastineau Channel Historical Society wherein several local experts will highlight notable residents of Finnish descent. For a preview of this local history, click here and search for names like Aalto, Maki, Niemi, Savikko, Reinikka, Pietilainen, or Ruotsala. This website contains the first of three published volumes of life history narratives from area families.
For more information about the activities see the FinnFest USA 2009 website by clicking here. We hope to see you there.
