Early advocacy – Helsinki Seamen House in the 18th century – Lecture at the Finnish Adult Education Centre in Helsinki

In the second half of the 18th century, there was a need to safeguard the interests of maritime workers. Work at sea was hard, gruelling and dangerous, and many a wife ended up a widow. The construction of the Viapori fortress had boosted the city’s economic activity and merchant shipping, and increased the number of people making their living from seafaring. The tonnage of Helsinki’s merchant ship fleet increased, and voyages became longer. The Helsinki-based ship Anders Johan Nordenskiöld was the first to cross the Atlantic in 1769. Helsinki Seamen House was one of the social innovations brought about by the construction of the Viapori fortification. Lecture given by Docent Mikko Huhtamies. Lecture duration: 1 h 30 min Free entry