Kaleva Historical Society holds a dedication of the Kalevala Mosaics by artist, Tricia Boucha. The mosaics are copies of the original Kalevala murals that are based on the Finnish epic poem, the Kalevala. They were painted during the Depression by local youth under the direction of Harry Armstrong.  Click here to read the full article.

Museums throughout Manistee County are hoping that 2021 will bring improvements in the fight against COVID-19 that will help ease restrictions to allow the public greater access to their buildings. Click here to read the full article.

In Kaleva, the longest night of the year is reserved in remembrance of the community’s lost loved ones, particularly those laid to rest in the Maple Grove Township Cemetery. For over 20 years, Kaleva residents have marked the Winter Solstice by lighting candles at each grave in the cemetery. Click here to read the full article.

From its massive metal grasshopper to a recently installed Finnish mosaic, the village of Kaleva is known for its many public art displays.

One statue, however, has been absent for the past two years. The figure of a mythic eagle had to be removed from its location next to the Kaleva Art Gallery until a new base for the statue could be made. Click here to read the full article.

The first mosaic in a three-part series for Kaleva’s centennial walkway was revealed Saturday afternoon.

The mosaic was created by local artist Tricia Boucha and commissioned by Kaleva Historical Society president Cindy Asiala. Click here to read the full article.

KALEVA — On any given day, mosaic artist Tricia Boucha can be found toiling over colorful pieces of broken glass at her home studio in Kaleva. Click here to read the full article.

Patrons will soon be visiting the Kaleva Art Gallery by way of a newly-constructed, handicap-accessible entrance. Click here to read the full article.

A busload of railroad and history enthusiasts made a stop in Kaleva on Saturday during the Manistee and Northeastern Old Railroad Grade and Depot tour.

The event was part of Benzie Area Historical Society’s motor coach tours of local railroad history. Click here to read the full article.

Since 1998, the community celebrates the Finnish tradition of lighting candles for those who have passed by placing luminaries next to each grave in the Maple Grove Township in the village of Kaleva on December 21. Click here to read the full article.

The Finnish tradition of decorating deceased relatives’ graves during the Christmas season has become a Kaleva tradition, thanks to the work of many volunteers through the years. Click here to read the full article.

The present depot was built around 1908, based on the use of exterior bricks which were made in Manistee until around that time. The depot continued to be very important as the town grew. The last train went through in the 1970's.

The village of Kaleva took possession of their town’s depot and a new roof kept the building sound. In 1996, the Brethren High School Service Learning class was started. This class chose to work in Kaleva in an effort to preserve history and culture. To read more about their revitalization efforts, click here.

Two decades ago, Brethren High School students were charged with preserving Kaleva’s history and attracting economic development for its future. The result of that service learning project became history in its own right as it helped shape Kaleva, as it’s seen today. To read the full article, click here.

Oftentimes, the first thing a family would build on this new land was a traditional Finnish sauna. Many lived in these structures while they built more permanent homes and, afterward, the sauna continued to be used for health, bathing and even birthing.

In the spirit of preserving Kaleva’s Finnish heritage, an authentic Finnish sauna now sits beside the village’s famed Bottle House Museum. To read the full article, click here.

Two decades ago, Brethren High School students were charged with preserving Kaleva’s history and attracting economic development for its future.

The result of that service learning project became history in its own right as it helped shape Kaleva, as it’s seen today. To read the article, click here.

The mission of the Kaleva Historical Society is to preserve the history the village of Kaleva and surrounding area, to keep records of individuals, businesses, and special events, and to collect and store artifacts relating to the above. We also strive to sponsor events which relate to the Finnish culture, first established here by Finnish immigrants in 1900. To read the article, click here.

This article from 2012 invites all to the Christmas at the Bottle House. Featuring Finnish decor, customs, displays, and holiday treats were enjoyed by all. Click here to read the article.

Check out a few snippets of life way back when in this compilation of articles about life in Kaleva way back when. Author's Note: "The following article is a wonderful account of a trip taken to Wellston by one of the editors of the Bear Lake Beacon and was originally published in the Beacon in July of 1914. The article was then re-published in the Manistee Daily News on July 27, 1914." Click here to read the full article.

Excerpt from a book about the 75th anniversary of the founding of the village (printed in 1975) and a short document written by Esther Puustinen and given to vistors at the Kaleva Historical Museum. Posted online by Ken Marder.