Memories of Finland
PO BOX 20028
Baltimore, Maryland 21284-0028
Ph. 800-529-FINN
Fax 443-423-1625
Aimo and Arlene Tervakoski, Owners
In the summer of 1981, Aimo and Arlene Tervakoski and their sons, Eric and Mark, visited Finland, Aimo's
homeland. During that trip, the Tervakoskis decided it was time to bring their memories of Finland back
to their home in the Washington, D.C. area. They did not bring back only pictures, but samples of gift
items from four Finnish manufacturers they met along the way. That fall, the family opened their gift
shop in a spare bedroom at home. They combed the area telephone directories for Finnish names, and
developed their first mailing list, sending postcards to nearly 300 Finns, many of whom came to the
Tervakoski home to shop for Christmas gifts. In February 1982, they opened their gift shop "Memories
of Finland" at its current location in College Park, Maryland.
Today, Memories of Finland is a thriving gift shop and the hub of the Finnish community in the Washington,
D.C. area. Their current local mailing list exceeds 2,000. The business is still owned and operated by
the Tervakoskis, and now includes a wholesale operation, The Finnishing Touch, which serves more than 275
gift and specialty stores across the US and Canada. They import items from more than 30 manufacturers and
craftspeople in Finland, and visit Finland at least once a year in search of new items. In 1997, Memories
of Finland unveiled its first website, designed and developed by son, Mark. Although now on their own,
sons Eric and Mark still participate in the business whenever they can.
Memories of Finland has evolved from a home-based boutique to a multi-phase business that serves customers
from College Park to Canberra. Memories of Finland remains a family business with only one primarily
business goal: To serve its customers with the highest quality products and service possible.
Online Catalog
Browse our catalog of 2314 items and place your order online!