“Sirkka”, a documentary film about the life of Sirkka Tuomi Holm (1920-2020), will be available Dec. 3-12 for free on Vimeo through the Historical Society of Cheshire County.
Then join the Historical Society on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. for a Zoom discussion with filmmaker Kristin Ojaniemi and Finnish American Heritage Center director James Kurtti.
“Sirkka” shares the story of a 100-year old NH resident who lived in Francestown and later at Summerhill Assisted Living in Peterborough and recently died on Oct. 27, 2020. Sirkka Tuomi Holm witnessed almost a century of Finnish-American history. From her grandfather fighting for the Reds during the Finnish Civil War to her immigrant parents’ involvement in labor strikes, to being trailed by the FBI, and being the first woman on the East Coast to be subpoenaed to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee, Holm led a fascinating life.
She spent years on the Finnish-American amateur stage and served overseas during World War II. She spent her life fighting for what she believed in and the rights of others. An actress, activist and veteran, Holm has written and been involved in numerous books and research on Finnish-America, labor, peace activities and feminism.
Kurtti of the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan notes “Given the depth and breadth of what Sirkka has fought for and endured in her near-century of life, this film is not only an engaging work, but also an invaluable capsule of Finnish-American life and history that will surely resonate not only in present-day Finnish America, but with future generations of immigrant descendants as well.”
This film was produced by Ojaniemi in partnership with the Finnish American Heritage Center, and premiered at Sirkka’s 99th birthday celebration in Francestown in early August 2019.
Registration is required for this free event. Visit www.hsccnh.org for more information.
This virtual program is present through an ongoing partnership between the Historical Society of Cheshire County and the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock Michigan.