Gunnar Suolahti
Humanist of the day

Gunnar Suolahti

Gunnar Suolahti created the cultural-historical research paradigm in Finland. He is known for the precision of his research and his use of wide-ranging material. In particular, his studies of the Finnish clergy constructed a picture of the wider whole through the use of detail. In addition to his professorial tasks, Suolahti participated in the activities of student nations and played a leading role in several scholarly societies.

Gunnar Suolahti

Gunnar Wilhelm Suolahti (Palander –1906)

Born September 16, 1876, Hämeenlinna. Died December 26, 1933, Helsinki

Master of Arts 1898 and Licentiate 1901 (History), Imperial Alexander University
Docent in History 1902–1918, Imperial Alexander University

Professor of Finnish and Scandinavian History 1929–1933, University of Helsinki
Professor Extraordinary of Scandinavian History 1918–1929, University of Helsinki

Editor-in-Chief 1907–1912, Aika-lehti
Editor-in-Chief 1906, Raataja-lehti
Editor-in-Chief 1903–1905, Historiallinen Aikakauskirja

Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor 1903–1905, Imperial Alexander University
Member of the Matriculation Examination Board 1920–1923
Curator of the Hämäläinen student nation 1906–1908, acting chairman, 1925–1926, chairman 1926–1930
President of the Finnish Historical Society, 1911–1912 and 1924–1925, Board member 1925–1933
Chairman of the Historical Association 1910–1930
Board member of the Finnish Society of Church History 1915–1923

Photo: Museovirasto
Written by Riitta-Ilona Hurmerinta
Translated by John Calton