The Estonian House in Chicago is a small piece of Estonia nestled on the Des Plaines
River in the heartland of America. The closest counterparts are on the East and West
coasts. It is not unusual for visitors to travel several hundred miles to reconnect
with their Estonian roots at our community center.
We are a place where people of Estonian heritage can meet to pursue educational,
charitable, religious, social and cultural interests. Our Estonian School is in session
two Sundays per month, the Estonian Lutheran Church conducts a monthly service
and the library is open every Sunday. Annually, we celebrate Estonian
Independence Day, Mid-Summer Night, Christmas and New Years Eve. On 40
Sundays of the year our dining room is open for lunch, and during the year we
provide a stage for Estonian musicians, actors, artists and dignitaries.
In an effort to serve our surrounding community, the Estonian House provides a
performance space for local arts organizations such as Theatre In The Woods, the
Normennenes Singing Society and the Sibelius Male Choir. Chicago area Finnish organisatsions are members and active at the Estonian House. We also provide meeting space for
neighborhood associations.
All activities at the Estonian House are organized and carried through by our
members on a volunteer basis. At a time when many civic organizations are
struggling, our existence is a testament to the desire of Estonians to hold on to their
heritage.
As a not-for-profit corporation the Estonian House relies heavily on its members for
financial support. Over 70% of our income comes from Estonian activities at the
House and from donations with the remaining balance coming from rental activities.
The Estonian House in Chicago is a small piece of Estonia nestled on the Des Plaines
River in the heartland of America. The closest counterparts are on the East and West
coasts. It is not unusual for visitors to travel several hundred miles to reconnect
with their Estonian roots at our community center.
In an effort to serve our surrounding community, the Estonian House provides a
performance space for local arts organizations such as Theatre In The Woods, the
Normennenes Singing Society and the Sibelius Male Choir. Chicago area Finnish organisatsions are members and active at the Estonian House. We also provide meeting space for
neighborhood associations.