Loimaa-Seura and Local Heritage

Loimaa-Seura (Loimaa Society) was founded in 1954 and has since worked to preserve local heritage. The local history museum has been operating since 1962. The building, originally a grain warehouse, was completed in 1855.

In 2024, Loimaa-Seura celebrated its 70th anniversary. The same year, the permanent exhibition of the local history museum was renewed.

The history of the greater Loimaa area does not end here. Much research remains to be done, and plenty of local folklore and material culture worthy of preservation is absent from the museum collection.

What would you like to see or do in the museum? Do you own objects that you would be willing to donate to the exhibition? Feel free to share your thoughts with the museum guides!

Pictured: A local clay artisan from Loimaa, Wilhelm Niemi, crafted clay “grandmother” piggy banks in the early 20th century. Many children, however, apparently used them as dolls rather than as savings banks. The piggy bank would have to be broken if one wanted to draw out the money. After the wars, these items were mass-produced as souvenirs. Upon seeing one such grandmother, Niemi’s son commented laconically: “The hag of Loimaa.” The souvenir was christened “Loimaan Miina” (Wilhelmina of Loimaa), after several notable women who have left their mark on local history.