Lotta Svärd was a women’s voluntary, unarmed defence organisation that operated from 1921 to 1944. The Lottas’ defence efforts included diverse social relief and aid activities. At its peak, the organisation involved 240,000 women and girls.

The Lottas were in divisions, which were divided into two categories: Acting Lottas (later, Field Lottas) and Service Lottas. Both entailed a requirement for active service. Field Lottas were obliged to leave their local area and be posted wherever help was needed, whereas Service Lottas took part in Lotta activities on the home front.

The Lotta organisation was disbanded in in November 1944 due to the Moscow Armistice, signed on 19 September 1944 by Finland, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom. The Allies dissolved the Civil Guard in Finland and as the Lotta Organisation was tied to the Civil Guard, it too was closed.

To continue the relief and aid work of the Lotta organisation established a Foundation - nowadays named the Lotta Svärd Foundation - which opened The Lotta Museum in 1996. Lotta Museum tells the story of the Lotta Svärd organisation and the role of women in shaping Finnish society. The Lotta Museum offers an introductory video (must be booked in advance), which covers all of the major themes of the main exhibition, Lotta Svärd – 100 Years of Societal Responsibility.