Associational life was active on Utö during the first decades of the 20th century. The island was home to a fishing cooperative, a Martha association, a seamen's mission circle, and an evangelical association. Their activities waned with the onset of World War II, and in the early 1950s, the idea of establishing a local heritage society began to take shape among the islanders.

The families permanently residing on the island and those with ancestral roots in Utö wanted to preserve the sense of community that had prevailed in the associations previously active on the island. Thus, the need and conditions for the operation of a Local Heritage Society were present. The society submitted its registration application in November 1954, and on January 18, 1955, Utö’s Local Heritage Society was accepted into the Finnish Register of Associations.

Even in the late 1960s, the local heritage society organized activities at the Village Hall, including during the winter season: for example, New Year’s celebrations. In the summertime, more and more boaters began to appear among the party goers. There was catering and, of course, dancing. One popular program item at the time was also a ballet performance by children and youth.

In modern times, the biggest annual celebrations have become the traditional Midsummer festivities, the July summer dances, and the autumn fish festival. At the Midsummer celebrations, the islanders’ own band, Bredbandet, which has risen to almost cult status, has performed for many years. In addition to the Village Hall, the society maintains a local heritage museum and owns the island’s property development company, Öjar Utveckling.

In 2011, the local heritage society noticed the need for a new history of Utö. The challenge was taken up by society member Martin Öhman, who had written his first book about Utö back in the 1990s. Martin wrote the book 'Där Finland börjar – Utö lots- och fyrvaktarsamhälle'. The book was published by Vrakplundrarförlaget and went on sale in 2014. The book delves into the professional and everyday lives of the island’s people, both past and present.

Susanna Sjöman, chairperson

Ingvar Söderlund

Lina Bergman

Katriina Kerppola

Jiri Otta

Katarina Lindholm

Danjel Lindström

Axel Sjöberg, deputy

Annika Salazar, deputy