The Story of the Suomussalmi House Museum
As society changed during the 20th century, traditional rural practices and everyday household items began fading into memory. In the 1950s, teachers in Suomussalmi began collecting various objects for schools. Teachers Martti Manner, Heikki Tiainen, and Martti Väisänen gathered old items that had survived the war. Additionally, the museum’s collections were enriched by a community collection organized by the North Karelian Student Association’s local heritage research committee.
Later, the Suomussalmi House Museum’s collections grew through donations from private individuals. Today, the museum houses nearly a thousand cataloged artifacts. The largest single acquisition was made in the 1980s when the municipality of Suomussalmi purchased the tools and contents of blacksmith Hermanni Härkönen’s workshop from his estate.
Besides artifacts, buildings reflecting traditional ways of life were essential for the museum. Initially, the museum area’s layout was designed by Kimmo Paulaharju, a curator from the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum. Over the decades, the museum grounds expanded as new buildings were added to meet growing needs, gradually evolving into the museum area we see today.
The museum’s main building, Alanteenpirtti, was donated by Eemeli, Eeru, and Einari Heikkinen. Originally situated on the shores of Lake Alanne along the water route to Viena, this large smoke-cabin and its adjoining chamber wing were relocated to become the museum’s centerpiece. Other log buildings from around Suomussalmi were later brought to the museum grounds, each representing centuries-old log-building traditions and the lifestyles of past generations.
The decision to establish the Suomussalmi House Museum was made by the municipal council in September 1965, after which a museum committee began planning museum activities. The Suomussalmi parish donated the Kirkkoniemi peninsula for museum use and contributed funds toward establishment costs. The Suomussalmi House Museum officially opened to the public on October 12, 1967, as part of the municipality’s centennial celebrations. Besides the museum itself, Kirkkoniemi also hosts the ruins of Suomussalmi’s old church and a memorial commemorating those who fell during the Finnish Civil War.
Over the decades, the museum has been developed gradually, always emphasizing a commitment to preserving the authentic atmosphere of bygone days—for instance, the museum remains without electricity. Various interactive activity trails have become a permanent part of the museum. At their peak, museum events have attracted hundreds of visitors. Especially popular have been Children’s Days, roast-in-a-pit evenings, and the museum’s Midsummer celebration. The museum grounds have also served as a venue for theatrical performances.
The surrounding nature and trees are an essential part of the museum’s forest-like atmosphere. Over the decades, the museum yard has gradually become more open due to logging and storm damage. Museum buildings undergo regular maintenance and restoration, from minor repairs to major renovations. Renewing wooden shingle and pole roofs, as well as replacing worn log structures, is part of the ongoing effort to preserve this culturally and historically significant environment. Caring for the museum’s artifacts and sharing stories from the past remain integral aspects of valuable local heritage work.
Warmest thanks go to everyone who has contributed to preserving the Suomussalmi House Museum. Special gratitude is extended to the museum hostesses and their summer employees over the decades, whose daily work and dedication have been crucial in maintaining this precious cultural heritage.
With these strong foundations, the museum is well-equipped to embrace the future, renewing itself while respecting traditions and honoring the past.