The society belongs to the Finnish Karelian League and was founded by Karelian evacuees after the Winter War in 1940. Its first chairman was Akseli Liljamaa from Viipuri, who served from 1940 to 1944. It hosted the national Karelian summer festivals in 1962, 1974, 1996 and 2019.
Over its history, it has had up to 22 hobby clubs, including choirs, Karelian skittles and youth folk dancing. Membership is open to anyone. The society has its own clubhouse, Karjala-Pirtti, acquired in 1991. Neither the entrance nor the car park is wheelchair accessible.
Take part in the society's activities? Share your experience below for people considering membership.
