Early Advocacy - Helsinki's Sailors' Chamber in the 18th Century - Workers' Institute Lecture

Advocacy for maritime workers had a clear need in the latter half of the 18th century: work at sea was hard and dangerous, and many widows were left behind.

The Suomenlinna fortress construction had stimulated Helsinki's economic activity and merchant shipping, increasing the number of people earning their living from seafaring. The merchant fleet's tonnage grew and voyages became longer - the Helsinki ship Anders Johan Nordenskiöld was the first to cross the Atlantic in 1769. Helsinki's Sailors' Chamber emerged as one of the social innovations brought about by the Suomenlinna fortress construction.

The lecturer is docent Mikko Huhtamies. The lecture lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and admission is free.