Armenian Museum of America

a Division of the Armenian Library and Museum of America, Inc. (ALMA)65 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472-4400

(617) 926-2562 www.almainc.org - info@almainc.org

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

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Permit No. 57916

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ALMA: Ensuring a Legacy

“An outstanding portrayal of Armenia and its people –everyone should see the exhibit”; “Very informative, a won-derful exposure to a new people for me”;“Wonderful! Soproud to be Armenian!”(quotes from the ALMA guestbook)

There is no place like the Armenian Library andMuseum of America in the Armenian diaspora, and avisit to its galleries has an impact on all who enter.

The many objects on display bring a rich heritage to life,transporting the visitors to another time and place. From theelegant form of an Urartrian urn of 3,000 years ago to theintricate and colorful needlework of early 20th centuryMarash, the objects each have a story to tell about Armenianhistory and experiences. The collections are diverse, as isthe culture they represent. With a collection of over 20,000artifacts, ALMA has an immensely rich body of material forexhibitions and research, enabling its curators to mount dis-plays on numerous aspects of Armenian life. Along with itslibrary of over 27,000 books and other materials, it is also agreat resource for researchers and scholars seeking to learnabout Armenians and their neighbors.

Today the Museum is the largest in the Armenian diasporaand continues to grow. It is a magnificent cultural resource,not only for Armenians but for the many non-Armenianswho come to learn about a fascinating people with a verylong history. The Museum serves not only as a safe reposi-tory and information center but also as a forum for learningand discussion. A place that encourages original research and

From the collections of the Armenian Museum of America

LARGE COPPER CAULDRON21 ½”H x 37” W at base (2013.073)

Coated inside with tin wash, inscribed: “Sepastia,Kotni village. A gift to the church of St. Sarkis inmemory of Nikol Keha and his sons Sirak andMardiros, 1894”

Donated by Mary Vande Poel, Zeeland, Michigan

Large cooking pots like this are still in use in manyArmenian communities in the Middle East,Cyprus and Armenia. They are used to prepare

the community meal marking holy days such as theFeast of the Assumption (Surp Astvadztsadzin). A caul-

dron this size can feed over 60 people and numerous cauldrons can be seen together boiling herriseh, the tra-ditional meal. Often made with chicken at home, on public religious occasions lamb is preferred, rituallyslaughtered and placed in a cauldron filled with water and wheat kernels (gorgode).

People stir the mixture through the night as it thickens and becomes the consistency of porridge. The nextday, herriseh is ladled into bowls and the meal shared by the community. A little melted butter, cumin or papri-ka tops the bowl. Large cauldrons were also used in some industrial processes such as preparing dyes to colorwool or manufacturing soap.

Michael Aram Line Arrives at ALMA

ALMA is proud toannounce that the MichaelAram line of home acces-

sories, décor, and giftware hasarrived in our newly renovatedGiftshop.The beautifully designedand crafted items, inspired bynature and organic forms, aresought after around the country.

Providence born designerMichael Aram (Wolohojian) is the grandson of Armenianimmigrants who settled in Massachusetts. He speaks of anArmenian or eastern influence in his work, in terms of therich and sensual design elements, the appreciation of ritual,and especially the love of food and good company. Afterworking as a graphic artist in New York City, Aram wasinspired by a trip to India, where he found not only anotherrich artistic heritage but a contemporary artisan culturewhere objects are still made by hand. Working with metalcraftsmen in New Delhi, he brought back samples of hiswork to great acclaim in New York City. Since that initialsuccess, Aram has combined traditional techniques of hand Michael Aram, continued on page 5

the creation of new resource materials. A wide spectrum oftour groups visit ALMA throughout the year; schools, bookclubs, Armenian and non-Armenian travel groups, individu-als and families, as well as foreign visitors, including politi-cal leaders, dignitaries, and religious leaders. The outreachprogram is varied and inclusive, working to build communi-ty as well as knowledge.

In order to continue this vital work, ALMA needs yoursupport. ALMA is entirely independent, something which iscrucial to its mission but which means that each of us mustplay a role. This includes becoming an active member, vol-unteering time and talents, making a financial contributionor bringing in an object or book that might enhance the col-lections. There are many ways to be part of the ALMA fam-ily, helping to celebrate Armenian culture and ensuring thatfuture generations will be able to enjoy this rich legacy.Please join us.

The Garabed Gospel, passed down within one family of priests for 39generations, now makes its home at ALMA.

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ACQUISITIONS (January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012)ALMA is grateful to the many generous individuals and institutionswho have donated items to the library and museum. Such donationsexpand and enhance the collections and these contributions aregreatly appreciated.

Meet Our Staff: Howayda Abu Affan, Assistant Curator

ALMA’s assistant curator was born in Khartoum to Sudanese-Egyptian parents. She earned a bachelor’s degree in InteriorDesign and moved to the US in 1998 where she later received her

masters from the Harvard University Extension School program inMuseum Studies. Howayda has a special interest in ethnic museums, howthey explore and portray culture, history and identity, provide multiple per-spectives, address preconceived notions, and devise exhibitions that speakclearly to the viewer. Her master’s thesis titled: “Islamic Art After 9/11: theMuseum’s Role in Defining Religious Identity,” was based on research at

museums in London, Cairo, Paris, and Boston. After an internship at the MFA, Boston, Howayda started working at ALMA, bringing expert-

ise in the essential areas of museum practice, and a comparative element with Islamic art. Afterfour years here, she notes that ALMA provides significant room for creativity and promotes theexpression of ideas that are critical to the museum’s dynamic culture. “I feel privileged to be ableto play a role in the future of such a specialized museum and contribute to the advancement of itsmission.” Although there are many objects in the ALMA collections that she especially enjoysworking with, her current favorite is a unique accordion-shaped lamp of brass and waxed linen,part of the newly-acquired Garabedian collection. Outside of ALMA, Howayda plays in awomen’s soccer league. A resident of Waltham, she enjoys the Armenian shops of Watertown forthe array of foods that resemble those of her own childhood.

Testimonials from our visitorsSubmitted by long time volunteer Rose Muggeridge from The Carleton-WillardVillager, June 2013

Atour of the Armenian Museum of America introduced us to thehistory and culture of this small and ancient nation . . . The gal-leries, just off of Watertown Square, have recently been restored

from their original 1990 spaces to designs by the head designer at theMFA, and we found them as handsome and logical as those of any muse-um we have seen.

Armenia has had a troubled past with its neighbors, culminating in agenocide at the hands of Turks in 1915. That subject dominates Armenianhistory and the museum exhibits. But there are interesting and beautifuldisplays of illuminated manuscripts, ceramics, religious objects and tex-tiles, and a whole section devoted to the display of twenty-five photo-graphic prints of prominent people taken by the famous Yousuf Karsh,donated by his widow. . .”

AIWA, MA - 17 phonodiscs, 12 periodicals, 3 booklets, 10 booksAjemian, Harry & Marion, RI - 11 VHS tapes, 34 DVDsAlahaidoyan, Bedros, CA - 1 bookAlmasian, Arakel, MA - 18 photographs, 2 books, 6 commemorative

postcards, 1 newspaper clipping, 2 periodicals, 1 booklet, several printouts, office supplies

Arakelian, Shant, MA - 1 Cilician coinArarat-Eskijian Museum, CA - 1 bookArmenian Prelacy (The), NY - 1 bookArmenian Research Center, Univ. of Michigan, MI - 1 periodicalBaharoglu, Sarkis, NY - 2 booksBerberian, John, RI - 2 pencil drawings by donor.Brewster, Edward, MA - 1 obituary, 1 notebookCampbell, Hazel, CA - 1 bookCharkoudian, Bethel, MA - 1 magazine clipping, 3 books, 1 DVD,

1 political pin, 1 purseChekijian, Samuel, MA - 1 book of 3 volumesChesnut, Ellen Sarkisian, CA - 1 rug, 3 pillow covers, archival materialsCoyle, Donna, NY - 1 map, 405 periodicals, 137 books, 2 doilies,

4 posters, 3 photographs, 4 pamphlets, photocopies.Der Manuelian, Haig, MA - 1 Oriental rug, 72 periodicals, 1 DVD,

3 booksDeranian, H. Martin, MA - 35 books, 2 pamphlets, 3 postcard sets,

1 periodical, 1 paintingDohanian Jr., Armen, MA - 12 phonodiscsDunn, Marcy, NY - 7 pieces of jewelry, 1 bookletDunn, Nevton, CT - 1 wooden bench,1 sabre and sheath, 1 scabbard,

3 lance heads, 1 sabre, 1 double-sided axe, 1 single-bladed axe, 1 dagger with sheath, various papers, correspondence and press clippings

Falkoff, Susan, MA - 3 paintings Gechijian, Arshag, MA - 1 PaintingGelenian, Alice, MA - 2 booksGendron, Carla, NH - 8 Khatchkar rubbingsGiligian, Armen, CT - 1 letter, 1 photographHablanian, Ann, MA - 1 bookHamalian, Max, MA - 9 periodicals,16 books, 1 textileHarian, Pauline, MA - 1 woven covering, several newspapers clippings,

1 copy of postcard, 1 copy of tax receipt, 3 certificates.Hogroian, Paul, MD - 1 shelter tent, 3 photographs, 1 memoir, photo

reproductions, 1 flash drive, 1 copy of passportJamian, Gregory, MI - 12 Maps, 5cards with lithograph prints, 1 photo-

graph, 1 book, 1 letterhead.Kashmanian, John, RI - 1 artwork, 3 sports cards, 6 postcardsKenosian, Elisabeth, MA - Knitting tools and yarn, 1 music scoreKerovpyan, Maral, France - 1 DVDKeverian, Jack, MA - 1 poster, 1 DVDKherdian, David, MA - 1 bookKrikorian, Flora, IN - 1 bookKundakjian, Varujan, MA - 3 booksLauer, Elizabeth, FL - 1 BibleLind-Sinanian, Gary & Susan, MA - 1 painting,1 book, 1 apronLyman, Eloise, MA - 1 etchingMargosian, Charles, MA - 9 books, 1 photographMegerdichian, Robert, MA- 13 misc. Armenian calendars, one brass

ornamentMerian, Sylvie, NY - 1 pair of knitting needles, 6 boxes of tapestry

wool, 2 boxes of tapestry thread, 1 cotton string

Muggeridge, Rose, MA - 37 newspaper issuesNajarian, Louis, NY - 1 Church model, 3 photographs, 6 postersOmartian, Sara, MA - 20 books, 67 periodicals, 10 reports, 1 map,

3 pamphlets, 2 folders Parsons, Margaret, ME - 3 booksParvin, Diane, MA - 1 drawingQuinn, Joan, CA - 1 bookShenloogian, Glenn, MA - 9 books, 1 phonodisc, 65 photographsSoultanian, Gabriel, UK - 1 bookSt. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church, RI - 138 books, 4 CDs,

4 DVDs, 13 VHS, 37 pamphlets, 110 periodicals, misc. papersTakvoryan, Nurhan, TN - 13 booksTashjian, Richard, NM - 1 painting by Minas Avetisian, 1 reproduction

of painting, 2 mounted photographs The Souren & Elizabeth Sadjian Foundation, NJ - 2 booksTootikian, Vahan, MI - 1 bookTopazian, Richard & Pauline, CT - 4 books, several newspaper clippings

printouts of book, excerpts and reviews, 2 periodicalsTourigian, Martin, PA - 1 painting, 1 booklet, 1 bookTshagharyan, Vladimir, Armenia - 25 pottery shards from Shengavit site,

1 obsidian fragment, materials on archaeology in Armenia, 1 certification document, photographs, 4 books, 3 postcards

Vande Poel, Mary, MI - 1 large cauldronWhitehorn, Alan, Canada - writings on the Armenian Genocide Y, Ly, MA - 2 booksYale University Press, CT - 5 books

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Executive CommitteeChairman

Haig Der Manuelian

Executive Vice PresidentMichele M. Kolligian

Vice PresidentsLaurel Karabian

Joan Agajanian QuinnSecretary

Barbara J. MerguerianAssistant SecretaryArakel Almassian

TreasurerJames A. ErdekianAssistant TreasurerRobert P. KhederianMembers-at-Large

Daniel K. Dorian, IVJacob Pilibosian

Fr. Arakel AljalianRt. Rev. Raphael Andonian

Kevork AtinizianNishan Atinizian

Bruce H. BagdasarianFr. Antranig Baljian

Robert H. BedoukianCamille BedrosianHapet A. Berberian

Rev. Avedis BoynerianFr. Dajad DavidianHaig K. Deranian

Lucy Der ManuelianArmen Dohanian, Jr.Mary GoudsouzianChristie Hardiman

Rev. Gregory HaroutunianByron V. Hartunian

Papken JanjigianEdward Keljik, Jr.Elisabeth Kenosian

Fr. Vasken KouzouianJack J. Kouyoumjian

Steven M. MigridichianSandra Missakian

Albert S. MovsesianCarolyn Mugar

Scott OffenVarujan Ozcan

Robert ProodianJoy Renjilian-Burgy

Fr. Krikor A. SabounjianRichard M. SimonianCaroline Tufenkian

John Yagjian

AdvisorsProf. Christina MaranciProf. Simon Payaslian

CALL FOR ENTRIES !

Premiere juried show of Art andLiterary works by young peopleinspired by objects in ALMA’s

collection - $1,000 in Prize money

Artists and writers, ages 18 to 35, pleaseapply. For guidelines and applications, call

617 926 2562, ext. 4 or visit our website www.almainc.org

Deadline for submission: Nov. 15, 2013

ALMA is grateful to Judith Saryan and Harry Parsekian for their generous support

Become an ALMA Volunteer!

ALMA is always looking for help! Our volunteersrange in age from 15 to 90 and there are many waysto use different talents. Volunteers make major con-tributions by translating manuscripts, assistingwith group tours and receptions, filing, planningevents, cataloguing, mailings and much more.Whether you are Armenian or ABC (Armenian byChoice), we would love to welcome you to our fam-ily of volunteers. For more information on how toget involved with ALMA, please call 617-926-2562

ALMA STAFF - 617 926-2562

Susan Pattie, Director, ext 7

Gary Lind-Sinanian, Curator, ext 5

Howayda Abu Affan, Asst. Curator, ext 8

Caroline Ly, Program Manager, ext. 4

Berj Chekijian, Building Operations, ext 6

Hripsime Mkrtchyan, Receptionist, ext 3

Susan Lind-Sinanian, Textile Curator, ext. 5

MUSEUM HOURS

Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m.

Tues.-Wed. by appointment only

15th century Colophon,Cilician Armenia

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GRAND PRIZE: Richard Ektrom - Marshfield, MASECOND PRIZE: George and Rafael Elanjian, Jim Gregoryand Dom Baccari - Woburn, MATHIRD PRIZE: David Goldman - Chestnut Hill, MAFOURTH PRIZE: ALMA Supporter (Name withheld) FIFTH PRIZE: Michael Douvadjian - Weston, MASIXTH PRIZE: Irene Karayan - Newton, MA SEVENTH PRIZE: Henry Zeytoonian - Dover, MA EIGHTH PRIZE: Edward Zorian - Hamden, CTNINTH PRIZE: Kurt and Diane Herosian - Waltham, MATENTH PRIZE: Jim Altoonian - Norfolk, MA

Special Drawing: - 2 World Series tickets (if Red Sox win Pennant): JeanetteKeljik - Westwood, MA- 2 Bruins tickets and a visit with announcer Jack Edwardsin the NESN booths: Shannon Maloney - Lexington, MA

Update from the Textile CenterBy Susan Lind-Sinanian, Textile Curator/Conservator

Curators Gary and SusanLind-Sinanian traveledto New York City to

acquire textile collections. Ahighlight of the trip was visit-ing Ms. Anahid Iskian at theMetropolitan Museum of Art.At the tender age of 90, Ms.Iskian had traveled by bus car-rying two heavy bags of her

precious heirlooms to be delivered and donated to ALMA.One of the items was a wool knotted pile saddlebag (pic-tured above) which belonged to Ms. Iskian’s father. Thebag is inscribed in Armenian on one side with the date,September 5, 1878 and the other side her father’s name,Hovaness Iskian.

Apr. 2 In Conversation with author Lucine Kasbarian and editorWilda Williams

Apr. 4 Legion Armenienne Exhibit Opening - French Cultural Center, Boston

Apr. 7 Nonny Hogrogian Exhibit Opening/David Kherdian Poetry Reading

Apr. 12 Shengavit Archaeological Site: Lecture and Panel Apr. 13 Young Professionals MixerApr. 14 Movie: The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964)Apr. 21 Lights against Darkness: Armenia, Cambodia, Darfur

Genocide Joint CommemorationMay 1 Jazz concert: MusanerMay 4 Hamazkayin Armenian Education and Cultural Society

Reception honoring Gary and Susan Lind-SinanianMay 5 Movies: S-21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine (2003)

and Darfur Diaries: Message from Home (2006)May 12 The Immortals by Alice Navasargian - Book talk May 19 Re-population process in Nagorno-Karabakh - Talk by

Prof. Arshak BalayanMay 22 Talleen Hacikyan - Exhibit OpeningMay 30 Dialogue on Difference: Diaspora Armenian Relations

Panel featuring former Armenian Ambassador to the US Rouben Shougarian & Prof. Khatchig Tölölyan, editor of Diaspora Journal

June 14 Concert: Classic GrooveJune 16 Dance Workshop with Gary and Susan Lind-SinanianJuly 16 Sports Raffle Final InningJuly 17 The Knock on the Door by Margaret Ahnert - Book talk

PAST EVENTS: April - July 2013

ONGOING EXHIBITS

Yousuf Karsh: “Celebrating Humanity”Stunning photographs including portraits of Winston

Churchill, Helen Keller, Aram Khachaturian and Albert Einstein

Highlights from ALMA’s collectionsSelection of the finest artifacts in the museum’s collection showcasing Armenia’s rich cultural and

historical heritage

Who Are the Armenians Exhibit spanning more than 3,000 years of

Armenian history and culture

Genocide ExhibitExplores the tragic events of the Armeniam Genocide through documents and artifacts

Armenian Musical TraditionsShowcase of traditional music and instruments

Sports Raffle Final Inning Reception and Winners (July 16, 2013)

The annual Spring Sports Raffle came to a success-ful close on July 16 with a lively reception anddrawing. Bruins announcer Jack Edwards once

more joined the crowd and picked the winners’ namesafter a ballpark feast of hotdogs, pizza and popcorn.Chairman Dan Dorian hosted the evening, attended bymany hopeful fans. This year the Sports Raffle alsoraised money to support One Fund Boston with 5% ofticket sales going to this important cause.

ALMA is grateful to all who have bought tickets thisyear, our donors, and to the many who have worked hardto make it happen, helping the museum and library tocontinue their work.

Congratulations to all the winners!

IRA Charitable Roll-over News Are you 70 ½ or older? Congress has extended the“IRA charitable roll-over” through 2013,enabling you to transfer up to $100,000 from yourIRA directly to a qualified institution such asALMA without having to pay income tax on themoney. We hope you will consider using thisopportunity to support the Armenian diaspora’smost important museum. For further informationabout the IRA plan, please call Jack Pilibosian at617-643-8445 or consult your tax advisor for spe-cific tax questions and benefits.

ALMA’s Wish List

Graphic Design/Production $1500Shelving for archived books $3650Staff Development Fund $1800

Robert Khederian, David Barber, James Erdekian, MicheleKolligian and Joy Renjilian-Burgy

Jack Pilibosian, ALMA Chairman Haig Der Manuelian, Diane andKenneth Samuelian

Boston Bruins announcer on NESN Jack Edwards drawing thewinning tickets and Raffle Committee Chairman Dan Dorian

ALMA curatorsGary and SusanLind-Sinanianhonored for theirservices to thecommunity by theHamazkayinEastern Regionon May 4, 2013.

Jazz concert by Musaner on May 1, 2013

Printmaker andillustrator TalleenHacikyan, withpaintings from hermost recent book,Aesop’s Fables (pub.Tradewind Books)during the May 22,2013 OpeningReception

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Yes, I Want To Experience ALMA As a Member

Membership Information (please print) Membership Categories (please check one)

Name

Address

City State Zip Code

Phone Number Email Address

p Student $15 p Family $50 p Supporting $250p Individual $35 p Sustaining $100 p Contributing $500

c Visa c MasterCard Card Number

Expiration Date

Signature (required)

pCharge to my:

pEnclosed is my check payable to “ALMA”

Join. Support. Experience.Become an ALMA Member

Why Join?As the only independent Armenian museum in the Diaspora funded solely through the contributions of individuals, ALMA’s successdepends on you. Membership signifies that you support the largest Armenian museum in the Diaspora. It means you recognize theimportance of collecting, preserving and presenting the culture, history and art of the Armenian people during the past 3,000 years, fortoday, tomorrow, and for future generations to come. It shows you care.

Membership BenefitsFree Museum admission and private guided tours with curator (tours by appointment)10% off all gift shop purchasesInvitations to exclusive eventsMailings about upcoming eventsDiscounted price for events and classesNew members receive two free guest passes and a $10 gift certificate at the Talk Restaurant (116 Main St, Watertown, MA)

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Genocide: A Joint Commemoration

Each April, ALMA commemorates victims of genocideand crimes against humanity. This year’s joint eventhighlighted the past (the Armenian Genocide and the

Cambodian Genocide) and the present (the current masskillings in Sudan’s Darfur region) with moving presentationsand powerful exhibits, giving voice to the victims.

ALMA mounted an informative display on the horrorscurrently being perpetrated in Darfur, using the photographsof U.N. African Union Mission in Darfur by photographerAlbert Gonzalez Farran. Voice of Cambodian Children, Inc.provided a striking exhibit, titled More than A Number,using portraits of victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. Thetext tells individual stories, bringing out the truth of theadage that many people killed is a statistic but each death isa tragedy. The moving Armenian Genocide permanentexhibit currently on ALMA’s 2nd floor condenses the per-sonal and collective stories of a whole people into largeinformative panels and a few carefully-chosen items.

After a warm welcome by ALMA Chairman HaigDer Manuelian, Event Chair James Kalustian, President ofthe Armenian Heritage Foundation, introduced the speakers.First, Kowith Kret shared his story as survivor and commu-nity activist, visionary behind the project More Than aNumber and host of the Khmer Sunday radio program, Voiceof Cambodian Children/WUML. Then Eric Cohen, Presidentof the Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur, pointed outthat today, ten years after the beginning of the genocide inDarfur, millions of its victims are at risk of attack as gov-ernment sponsored mass atrocities continue.

Professor Armen Marsoobian (Southern ConnecticutState University), author of Genocide’s Aftermath:Responsibility and Repair, focused on the role that culturaldestruction plays in the ongoing process of denial of theArmenian Genocide. Prof. Marsoobian stated thatArmenians have a moral responsibility to support the insti-tutions that promote and protect Armenian culture, thus help-ing to combat the insidious consequences of genocide denial.

Make ALMA your LEGACY. Help strengthen this cultural cornerstone by including ALMA in your will.Including ALMA in your will not only show your pride for our rich heritage and culture, it also means

that you are leaving a lasting impact for generations of Armenian-Americans to come.

Help Find Venues for ALMA’s Three Major Travel Exhibits

ALMA encourages our readers to help us locate suitable sites for pre-senting any of our three major travel exhibits, respectively:

• The Armenian Legion and its Heroism in the Middle East recounts thestory of Armenian volunteers who joined the French Foreign Legion to fightthe Turks during World War I. It will be on display at the Glendale, CA.Public Library in October 2013.• The Armenian Genocide: Death, Denial and Desecration deals with theGenocide, emphasizing the ongoing denial and aftermath. Non-Armenianvenues preferred. The exhibit was recently displayed in the City Hall ofMontebello, CA and at the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, VA.• Who Are the Armenians describes 3,000 years of Armenian history andculture and has been shown at various sites from coast to coast.

From Ararat to the Promised Land:The Armenian-American Experience

In 2014, ALMA will openan exhibit showcasingArmenian immigration

over the last century to theUnited States. The museumhouses an extensive collec-tion related to immigrationand the stories of the immi-grants are part of the familyhistory of every Armenianand indeed most Americans.We have all heard stories ofthe tribulations and triumphsof our immigrant ancestors butin reality, this is not merely athing of the past. New immigrants can be found at most largeArmenian gatherings in America. It is an ongoing process.

From Ararat to the Promised Land will be featured on themuseum’s 2nd floor and will have two major components.The primary section will be a general overview of theArmenian immigrant experience. A second section will fea-ture smaller changing components that focus on specificaspects of immigrant life (e.g. rug trade, political parties,amateur theater, sports, artists, compatriotic unions, thepress, music, factory work, the role of women, small busi-nesses and others). These elements will rotate, changing toshowcase different aspects of our complex and diverse his-tory. More on this will follow in our next issue.

Michael Aram, continued from page 1

casting and metalwork with contempo-rary design, reflecting his originality andconcern for the human quality of the pieces. His remarkablepieces join elegance and playfulness with themes fromnature such as twigs, fig leaves, orchids, and acorns. MichaelAram has received multiple design awards as well as theEllis Island Medal of Honor in 2012.

ALMA’s giftshop is expanding to include other designersand craftspeople of Armenian heritage, such as SiranVaradian and her beaded jewelry.

Visit us soon to enjoy the new array of gifts available.

Eric Cohen, Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, Assistant Curator Howayda AbuAffan, ALMA Chairman Haig Der Manuelian, Prof. Armen Marsoobianand Kowith Kret.

ALMA Vice-President Barbara Merguerian (left) speaking atthe Armenian Legion Exhibit Opening at the French CulturalCenter in Boston on April 4, 2013.

Levon Chilingirian, violinist, contributed a moving ren-dition of Groong (The Crane) and Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian,of Whitinsville, lead the opening and closing prayers.

ALMA is committed to spreading public awareness ofgenocides and mindful that such tragedies continue today.

Nansen passport of Rouben Ter-Arutunian, issued in 1948,donated by Olga Proudian.

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