About the Preservation Project
The Preservation Project is currently focused on the Majakka Hall restoration. We have also conducted research on the social history, commemoration and preservation issues of the former Finn Town in DeKalb IL. Through surveys, interviews and archival materials, we are exploring the contributions of local Finnish Americans at the city, state and national levels. The research team consists of NIU Associate Professor Diane Rodgers, Jill Sanderson, Jessica Petersen, Lucy Sosa and our latest member, Jeff Syverson,with assistance from former and current NIU undergraduates Kelsey Peterson, Danielle Calabria, Ellen Murphy, Monika Kolman and Katie Piotrowska. The director of the DeKalb Area Women's Center, Anna Marie Coveny has provided us with invaluable guidance throughout. Many people in the Finnish community have graciously talked with us and we would like to especially thank Al & Jean Riippi, Mike Nelson, Sally & Oscar Forsman, Harry & Sue Huhta and Betty Hampa for their ongoing support and interest in our work.
The Preservation Project is currently focused on the Majakka Hall restoration. We have also conducted research on the social history, commemoration and preservation issues of the former Finn Town in DeKalb IL. Through surveys, interviews and archival materials, we are exploring the contributions of local Finnish Americans at the city, state and national levels. The research team consists of NIU Associate Professor Diane Rodgers, Jill Sanderson, Jessica Petersen, Lucy Sosa and our latest member, Jeff Syverson,with assistance from former and current NIU undergraduates Kelsey Peterson, Danielle Calabria, Ellen Murphy, Monika Kolman and Katie Piotrowska. The director of the DeKalb Area Women's Center, Anna Marie Coveny has provided us with invaluable guidance throughout. Many people in the Finnish community have graciously talked with us and we would like to especially thank Al & Jean Riippi, Mike Nelson, Sally & Oscar Forsman, Harry & Sue Huhta and Betty Hampa for their ongoing support and interest in our work.
Lucy Sosa, Jessica Petersen, Jill Sanderson, Diane Rodgers