The dissertation examines acculturation process of Finnish Americans in early 20th Century United States. I examine, in which direction acculturation strategy of their community was possibly led by themselves. I am interested in what kind of country US was for an emigrant in the time. The Reports of the Immigration Commission and American Finnish magazine Home – Educational Monthly are used as the main sources. Other sources are research Literature of acculturation, multi-culturalism and emigration. Source material include also newspaper and magazine articles as well as photographs and literature of the period. Acculturation theory of John W. Berry (1992/2002) and trust theory by Piotr Sztompka (1999) serve theoretical framework for the dissertation. By the theoretical framework acculturation process of a community can be examined so, that supporting elements and intent are shown.

In my dissertation I am showing that Home -magazine was guiding the migrant community educationally and nationalizing towards Americanization. Finns were actively working to create a common culture of action between their community and American society. Adults and children participated educational system actively. It illustrated their will to integrate into society and their confidence in the country's institutions.

At the time of the study, the acculturation process produced an operational culture in which American Finnishness was built on the best aspects of Finnishness, such as education-friendly, hardworking, and active. The Finns had the ability to renew themselves and the will to act in accordance with the country's values and expectations. Research shows that in a multicultural society, there was competition between communities, not just power culture and minorities. The Finns of America had the will to integrate into the new homeland according to their wishes and possibilities, without forgetting their fathers' land and cultural heritage.

The study also provides a message for the debate on multiculturalism and integration in our time. It gives an example of the American Finnish community as a minority alongside the power culture, how to practice their ethnic culture and strengthen their own culture and community. However, this multiculturalism requires respect for common norms, moral and institutions in order to support and strengthen the climate of trust in society.