2026 Lecturer of the Year and John Morton Biography Project Highlights
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2026 has already been an exciting and incredibly busy year. For years, we’ve been preparing for America's semiquincentennial, and now it’s finally here—250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Personally, much of my time has been devoted to lecturing on my longtime research subject, John Morton, whose life and legacy I continue exploring as I work toward completing his biography. The process has been slower than I originally anticipated, but I’m tremendously excited to eventually share the full story of this fascinating man in a published book. I had hoped to have it released by 2026, but, as always, life has a way of reshaping timelines.
In the meantime, I’ve been sharing Morton’s story through educational lectures, articles, and especially through my role as the 2026 Finlandia Foundation National Lecturer of the Year (LOY). Through earlier talks and projects, I quickly discovered the immense pride many Finns feel for Morton—a man of Finnish descent who signed the Declaration of Independence. Serving as Lecturer of the Year has given me the opportunity to act as a Friend of Finland while connecting with audiences through Morton’s timely and compelling story.
As I continue work on his biography, I invite you to explore some of the projects, lectures, and events I’ve been involved with along the way.
LOY Event with Finlandia Foundation National Capital Chapter
LOY Event with Finlandia Foundation National Capital Chapter
03/14/2026: This event marked my very first appearance as the 2026 Finlandia Foundation National Lecturer of the Year, and I could not have chosen a more fitting setting than historic Gadsby's Tavern in downtown Alexandria, just a short distance from our nation’s capital and the historic document signed by John Morton 250 years ago. Many thanks to Andrea Rasmussen for the invitation to lecture on Morton’s life and legacy, and to Kirsti Norting—along with her adorable Boston Terrier Keva—for the wonderful hospitality!
Finlandia Foundation National's Board Visits Philly!
Finlandia Foundation National's Board Visits Philly!
04/24/2026: Personally, this was a particularly enjoyable experience because it gave me the opportunity to showcase the remarkable history of the Delaware Valley to visitors from outside the region. Members of the Finlandia Foundation National gathered for their annual board meeting, while also touring several local Finnish and Nordic historic sites and attending an exhibition opening at the American Swedish Historical Museum (inside the John Morton Memorial Building). I was especially honored to share a few remarks at the gravesite of John Morton in Chester, as well as at the Kalmar Nyckel in Wilmington.
LOY Event in Minnesota with the Finnish American Association of the Twin Cities
LOY Event in Minnesota with the Finnish American Association of the Twin Cities
05/14/2026: This marked my very first trip west of the Mississippi River, and I had a wonderful time meeting Midwestern Finns while lecturing on John Morton’s role in securing American independence, as well as the history of the colony of New Sweden. It was a memorable experience, and I’m already looking forward to returning to the beautiful Twin Cities later this year for FinnFest 2026! Thanks to Louise Morgan and her husband Kevin for hosting me. I also enjoyed coffee with playwright Laurie Flanigan Hegge who is preparing a play on Morton for FinnFest. It's going to be great!
Middletown Township Historical Society
Middletown Township Historical Society
04/09/2026: I made the arduous four-minute commute to the Middletown Township Library for a local talk on Delco’s own signer of the Declaration. It was a wonderful turnout, with many eager to learn more about this remarkable man.
Article in the Swedish Colonial Society Journal
Article in the Swedish Colonial Society Journal
Coming Soon!
Quoted and Sourced in a Delaware County Times Article
Quoted and Sourced in a Delaware County Times Article
Coming Soon!
Article in the Finnish Line Magazine
Article in the Finnish Line Magazine
Coming Soon!
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