US historian tutkimusmatka Suomeen epäonnistui arkiston virheen vuoksi

An American history professor’s research trip to Finland was disrupted after the National Archives of Finland failed to provide requested materials due to an internal error, Yle reports.

Jason Lavery, a professor at Oklahoma State University, had arranged access to archival collections months in advance for his upcoming book on Finland’s 16th-century Reformation. One day before his flight to Helsinki, he was informed that a key collection—the papers of historian Henry Biaudet—would not be available.

The National Archives confirmed the materials had been incorrectly logged as relocated to a temporary storage site in Helsinki’s Siltavuori district. In reality, they remained at the Rauhankatu building, currently under renovation and inaccessible until late summer.

“This is the first time in over 30 years of researching Finnish history that I’ve encountered such an issue,” Lavery told Yle. He noted that budget cuts and reduced access to regional archives are making research increasingly difficult.

While Lavery was able to access other materials during his trip, the missing collection will delay his book’s completion. Colleagues in Finland have offered to assist remotely, but he warned that gaps in sources may force revisions to planned chapters.

The National Archives is reviewing location records for similar errors. Officials acknowledged that while alternative access methods exist—such as digital copies—some researchers have faced unexpected delays.

Renovations at the Rauhankatu facility, which began in 2026, are scheduled for completion in 2028.