What we do

Karelian Cultural Society moves vibrantly with the times. Cross-border activities have always been important and they have varied throughout history. At present, activities with Karelian people and other partners are developed on the basis of partnership, equality and mutual benefit. 

In connection with the annual meeting, the Karelian Cultural Society organizes pruasnieka, a festival open to everyone interested in Karelian culture. Annual events include public lectures, which can be found on our YouTube channel. The society has published its own magazine since its founding in 1906. The first magazine, Karjalaisten Pakinoita, was published in sample numbers. In the following decades, the magazine was published under different names: Toukomies and Viena-Aunus. Since 1945 the name has been Karjalan Heimo. 

The Uutisčuppu website contains weekly news and articles in Karelian about language, culture and current topics. In addition, Karelian Cultural Society is active in social media. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram.  

Since its early days, the Society has published textbooks, studies, non-fiction and fiction on Karelian language and culture. In addition, numerous biographies of prominent figures of the Karelian Cultural Society and books on the history of Karelia and Karelian refugees have been published. 

The first book by the Society was an ABC book called Pieni Alku-opastaja Vienan Karjalaisille, published in 1907. Publishing continues to be one of the Society’s priorities. In addition to books and magazines, we publish e-books and other online materials. The Society’s publications can be found in the online store.  

Recording history has likewise been one of the key activities of the Karelian Cultural Society. Today we have an extensive archive, the Sampo database, and the Carelica library. Collecting knowledge of Karelian history and heritage, the Society mediates the past to present and future generations. The Society welcomes historical material and objects and either preserves it itself or takes care of its appropriate archiving or storing in a museum.  

The activities of the Karelian Cultural Society are funded by membership fees, donations and income from funds.