Located beside Lake Tuusula, the Lotta Museum tells the story of Finnish women who, inspired by a poem written by national poet J. L. Runeberg, played a vital role in shaping Finland’s future. Built on the site of the former Lotta Institute, the museum not only preserves the legacy of the Lottas but also reveals how women’s voluntary work and civic engagement have left a lasting imprint on Finnish history. We had planned just a quick visit to the museum, but found ourselves spending the whole summer day by the lake. The beauty of the setting, the richness of the history, delicious food and a welcoming playground kept the whole family happily engaged.
I find it inspiring when literature steps beyond the page and comes alive in society. In The Tales of Ensign Stål by Finland’s national poet J. L. Runeberg, the wife of soldier Svärd, Lotta, follows her husband to war and, after his death, remains to care for other soldiers. Her character later inspired women working alongside the Finnish Civil Guard to adopt the name Lotta Svärd. Although this fictional Lotta had no historical counterpart, hundreds of thousands of Finnish women gave her a face through their meaningful and impactful work in the organization.
I hadn’t realized that the Lotta Svärd Association was once the largest women’s organization in Finland. These women proved that women, too, could take on responsible and demanding roles in areas such as medical care, communications and air surveillance. The organization’s training programs strengthened their skills and expanded their ability to contribute actively to society. Through experience, women also developed leadership capabilities. Their work challenged traditional gender roles and laid the groundwork for greater equality. It brought together women of all ages and backgrounds, creating a legacy of participation that would inspire generations to come.
In Finnish history, Lotta service remains one of the most recognized forms of volunteerism. Its success depended on organized and strategic leadership, from the central board to local chapters. The organization developed extensive cooperation networks and a growing business sector built upon women’s household expertise.
As we know, every operation requires resources. By 1938, the Lotta organization operated more than 250 businesses, starting with kiosks, cafés and restaurants. These ventures harnessed the quiet expertise of home economics as a shared national asset. Activities expanded into guesthouses, a soft drink factory, bakeries, hair salons and even cinemas. During wartime food shortages, the movement also extended to floristry. Profits were used to support field Lottas, hospitals, disabled veterans and the families of the fallen. A strong and independent economy gave women influence and taught valuable business skills they could carry into many aspects of life. Part of the funding also came through donations.
This work, both physically and mentally demanding, left its mark on many. Some Lottas chose to remain anonymous and kept their service a secret—something discovered only after their passing. Even so, post-service care was made available to those who needed it.
Although the Lotta Svärd Association was officially dissolved in 1944, its efficiency and the importance of women’s contributions to national defense were acknowledged internationally. Its impact reached far beyond Finland’s borders. Today, the organization continues to preserve memory and heritage while offering support to veterans.
It is up to each of us to carry forward the work of equality in our own way.
The Lottas did much, but they did not complete the world.
Love, Miia
Sources: LottaMuseum, lottasvard.fi, lottasaatio.fi, puolustusvoimat.fi, perinne.fi
Art & Therapy
AN INSPIRING PERSON iN MY LIFE
Write a short piece about someone who has inspired you. It could be a public figure, someone close to you—or even a fictional character, like Runeberg’s Lotta.
Reflect: What inspires you about this person? How has that inspiration affected your own life? How could you make use of that inspiration and pass along a bit of joy to others?