This FREE public event is part of FinnFest USA 2026, September 17–20 in Minneapolis. No festival pass is required, and everyone is welcome.
One night only: a new play with music, followed by live Finnish and Finnish American folk music and dancing in Minnehaha Park.
In the year of America’s 250th anniversary, meet the forgotten founder whose single vote helped tip Pennsylvania toward independence—and whose family story reaches back to Finnish immigrants.
Morton: The Forgotten Founder is a new history play with music written by Laurie Flanigan Hegge and directed by Wendy Knox.
The production follows John Morton from loyal subject of the King to supporter of revolution, bringing heart, tension and a rarely told Finnish American chapter of the Declaration of Independence to the stage.
The play is commissioned by Finlandia Foundation National and presented by Finlandia Foundation National and Frank Theatre, together with FinnFest USA.
After the play, stay for live Finnish and Finnish American folk music and dancing with Lauluaika—‘Song Time’—the Twin Cities ensemble devoted to keeping the music of the old Finn Halls alive.
Saturday, September 19 • 6:00 p.m. • Minnehaha Park Pavilion, 4801 South Minnehaha Drive, near Sea Salt • FREE
Details and free RSVP update: https://finnfest.us/finnfest-2026/free-finnish-evening-minnehaha-park/
This is the kind of once-only FinnFest night people will talk about afterward. Make it part of your full weekend: https://finnfest.us/tickets/
