Commissioned by Finlandia Foundation National as the centerpiece of FinnFest 2026—celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—MORTON: The Forgotten Founder is a one-act historical play with music.

The production spotlights John Morton, a Founding Father of Finnish descent who cast one of the historic swing votes in the Pennsylvania delegation that tipped the balance toward American independence.

Staged in the spirited tradition of Finland’s beloved kesäteatteri (summer outdoor theatre), the fast-paced, 60-minute comedy features a versatile six-actor ensemble portraying a dynamic gallery of Revolutionary-era figures alongside live musical accompaniment.

The evening’s festivities begin at 6:00 PM with an opening context address by Jay Smith, Finlandia Foundation National’s Lecturer of the Year. Following the play, the stage transitions to a live community dance and concert by Twin Cities folk ensemble Lauluaika (“Song Time”), performing traditional hall music and dance tunes that have animated Finnish-American social halls for generations.