Kustaa Vilkuna
Humanist of the day

Kustaa Vilkuna

The academician Kustaa Vilkuna was a professor of ethnology, head of the war censorship office and a political mover and shaker. He was involved in establishing the Peasants’ Cultural Foundation and a member of countless associations, societies and commissions. Vilkuna was also an influential figure in postwar Finnish politics.

Kustaa Vilkuna

Kustaa Gideon Vilkuna
Born October 26, 1902, Nivala. Died April 6, 1980, Kirkkonummi.

Master of Arts (Finnish Language) 1927, Licentiate of Philosophy (Ethnology) 1935, Doctor of Philosophy (Ethnology) 1936, University of Helsinki

Member, Academy of Finland, 1959–72
Minister of Education, 1958
Dean, Historical-Languages Division, University of Helsinki, 1952-57
Professor of Finno-Ugric Ethnology, 1950–59, University of Helsinki
Director, State Information Office, 1943–44
Head, war censorship office, 1939–43
Docent, University of Helsinki, 1936–50
Deputy Director, Sanakirjasäätiö (Lexicographical foundation), 1931–44

Photo: Helsingin kaupunginmuseo
Written by Tomas Sjöblom
Translated by John Calton

The agrarian academician

Kustaa Vilkuna was born into a farming family in Nivala in 1902. His younger brother Frans Joosef came to be in charge of the farm, giving Vilkuna the opportunity to pursue a different path. Vilkuna graduated from upper secondary school and began his Finnish studies at the University of Helsinki…

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The King Maker

During his time as a student, Kustaa Vilkuna hardly ever took part in student ‘nation’ activities or student politics. He only became politically active later, in the 1930s. From that point on, Vilkuna was an active power behind the throne in Finnish politics. He became one of the most indirectly…

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