The only museum of its type in the United States, it was created in 1974 by Yrjö Alfred Paloheimo, a native of Finland, who was the husband of Leonora “Babsie” Curtin.

[4] The Swiss chalet-like structure, constructed of redwood with a stone roof, was built in 1910 as a garage for Arthur Fleming's Wigmore Estate.

In 1949 Paloheimo learned that the unusual structure was for sale, and moved it onto the grounds of the Fenyes Estate to serve as a folk art museum, guest house, and sauna.

[6] Inside the museum, a large living room called a “Tupa” is furnished with early 19th Century Finnish peasant furniture and objects.

Visitors may see an open hearth or “Takka” used for heating and cooking, poles and overhead racks called “Leipävartaat” for storing rye sourdough bread, and “Tuoli” or chairs hand-carved by farmers as bridal gifts to their daughters, as well as many other Finnish hand-made items.