Over 20000 artifacts whisper stories. They reside within these walls. This is the Armenian Museum of America.
The Armenian Museum of America stands proudly in Watertown Massachusetts. It’s more than a building. It’s a testament to resilience. It’s a sanctuary for a rich culture. Established in 1971 it began humbly. A small collection grew from the worries of Armenian Americans. They feared the loss of their heritage. They wanted to preserve their history.
Initially housed in a church parish house the museum expanded. It moved to a larger space. Then in 1988 it found its current home. A former bank building in Watertown Square. This building is dedicated to Stephen and Marian Mugar. Their generosity made it possible.
Today the Armenian Museum of America boasts 30000 square feet. It’s packed with treasures. Explore Bedoukian Hall. This is the main exhibit gallery. Smaller galleries showcase various collections. Don’t miss the Contemporary Art Gallery. This also houses the Terjenian-Thomas Art Gallery. The museum even has a 220 seat auditorium.
The museum’s collections are extraordinary. They include prehistoric and medieval objects. Thousands of ancient coins fill display cases. Over 3000 textiles are kept in climate controlled areas. This collection is one of the largest outside Armenia. The museum holds a huge collection of books. These include the Garabed Gospel from 1207 AD. They also have 170 Armenian rugs many inscribed in Armenian.
But the museum is more than just objects. It holds a treasure trove of oral histories. Over 1400 hours of interviews with genocide survivors are preserved. These tapes are digitized. They provide invaluable insights into their experiences.
The Armenian Museum of America is not just a museum. It is a living archive. It’s a vibrant center for Armenian culture in America. It’s a place of memory and hope. It’s a destination that should be on everyone’s list. It stands as a reminder of a people’s enduring spirit. It preserves a rich heritage for future generations. It’s a place where history comes alive.