Sound Archive 19: The Vosbikian Band
The Vosbikian Band are one of the most influential Armenian bands in America. Known and loved by fans on the East Coast for generations, their music provides rhythms for traditional “shourch bar” (line dancing) and “tak bar” (solo dancing) with a modern twist that is still exciting for the younger generations. Sound Archive #19 presents four songs from our collection, with an original article about the group by Harry Kezelian and Harout Arakelian: www.armenianmuseum.org/vosbikian-band
House Shrines (Treasures from Our Collection)
Often times people create unofficial places of worship in a village or within their own home. Religious imagery, incense, stones, or items from a pilgrimage may be displayed. In this video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian highlights objects from the house shrine of the late Aghavny Demirjian.
The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is intended to share items from our collection that are not on display. It is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Stamped for Independence (Treasures from Our Collection)
On September 21, 1991, Armenians voted to break from the Soviet Union, resulting in the re-emergence of an independent state for the first time in 70 years. The Soviet Union was losing its grip and in an attempt to reverse this, Mikhail Gorbachev held a referendum on March 17, 1991, in which most of the population voted to remain part of the USSR. Armenians held their own referendum in September in response, and nearly unanimously voted for freedom. This is the 31st anniversary of Armenia’s independence. However the holiday takes on a somber tone since Azerbaijan recently initiated new attacks against Armenia earlier this month.
In this video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian shares the first postage stamps issued by the new Republic. These were the first stamps issued in the new currency, the dram, that was introduced to replace the ruble. The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is intended to share items from our collection that are not on display. It is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Poetry of Daniel Varoujan (Treasures from Our Collection)
Daniel Varoujan (1884-1915) was one of the most prominent Armenian poets of the early 20th century. Daniel attended the Mkhitarian School and the Mourad-Rafaelian School of Venice and entered Ghent University in Belgium in 1905. In 1909 he returned to his village and later became the principal of St. Gregory the Illuminator School in Constantinople. He was killed by the Young Turks at the outset of the Armenian Genocide. Here in our collection, we have some of his publications, photographs, and manuscripts that were donated to the Museum by his daughter.
The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is intended to share items from our collection that are not on display. It is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Signature Textiles of Wealth (Treasures from Our Collection)
Byzantine motifs adorn fine silk clothing, exceptional needle lace is on the edges of almost every textile, and everything was designed with luxury in mind. This is a glimpse into a wooden 1897 chest containing items belonging to Aroussiag Iskian, Anahid Iskian, and Marie Iskian Tevonian. The collection illustrates what a more well-to-do Armenian family might own during the late 19th and early 20th century. Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian highlights a few items from this thoughtfully organized family heirloom collection.
The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is intended to share items from our collection that are not on display. It is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Souren Baronian: A Jazzman w/an Armenian Swing
This month’s Sound Archive profiles the jazz styles of Souren Baronian, from a career that began in the late 1940s and spans to the current day. Text by Harout Arakelian and audio digitization and restoration by Jesse Kenas Collins: www.armenianmuseum.org/souren-baronian
Highlights from the Collection of Rev. Vartan Hartunian (Treasures from Our Collection)
Neither to Laugh nor to Weep is a book by Rev. Abraham H. Hartunian who was a Protestant pastor from Marash. Rev. Hartunian miraculously survived the Genocide and lived to tell about the ruthless campaign by the Ottoman Turks to eradicate the Armenians. We have many of his personal items including his pocket bible, photos, and keepsakes. His son, the late Rev. Vartan Hartunian, was one of the founders of the Museum and was a well-known pastor in the Boston area. Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian highlights the history of these meaningful pieces in our collection.
The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is intended to share items from our collection that are not on display. It is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s-1990s
Basquiat, Hockney, Ruscha, Gehry, Altoon. They're all here. Our galleries are open Thursday thru Sunday from 12-6. Visit the Armenian Museum at 65 Main Street, Watertown, MA, for our new contemporary exhibit of 125 works by 75+ artists.
Boston Public Radio Covers 'On the Edge' at AMA
Jim Braude, Margery Eagan and GBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen discuss our new contemporary art exhibit on NPR's Boston Public Radio, recorded live at the Boston Public Library!
"On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s-1990s from the Jack and Joan Quinn Family Collection" is on view in Watertown (Boston) every Thursday thru Sunday from 12-6.
Armenian Prayer Scrolls (Treasures from Our Collection)
From the 15th to 19th centuries, prayer scrolls (hmayils) were a favorite item to carry or keep in the home and pass down from generation to generation. Historically, prayer scrolls were used by Armenians and Ethiopians. Scrolls can be quite long and they are either handwritten or printed. Many are illuminated and beautifully decorated with miniatures and calligraphy depicting scriptures, prayers, and spiritual wards. In this video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian highlights several examples in our collection along with a few theories about their uses.
The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is intended to share items from our collection that are not on display. It is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
GBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen Covers 'On the Edge' at AMA
GBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen reviewed On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s-1990s & Discovering Takouhi: Portraits of Joan Agajanian Quinn on NPR Morning Edition - here’s a clip! Our galleries in Watertown (Boston) are open Thurs thru Sun from 12-6.
Arthur Mazmanian’s Sculpture on Paper (Treasures from Our Collection)
This past weekend, a member of the museum community generously donated a beautiful print by New England artist Arthur B. Mazmanian (1931-1979). Mazmanian was known for his abstract wall sculptures. The piece highlighted by Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian, titled “Icon 4,” uses a painting technique that embosses the paper and gives it a texture similar to a sculpture. Framingham State University named its gallery after him, and it presents exhibitions by established, emerging, and student artists.
These “Treasures from Our Collection” videos allow us to share items in our collection that you might not otherwise get the chance to see. They are sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Torcom Bezazian: The Prolific Baritone
The Sound Archive presents digitized versions of 78 rpm records from our collection. This month we presented baritone Torcom Bezazian, born 1889 in Constantinople. Here's a sample of four songs in this month's installment with sound restoration by Jesse Kenas Collins and biographical information posted here by Harout Arakelian: www.armenianmuseum.org/torcom-bezazian
Special thanks to the SJS Charitable Foundation for their generous support of our work to digitize and share our collection.
Treasures from Our Collection: Calls to Support the First Republic
In this week’s video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian highlights documents that demonstrate the collective fundraising efforts to aid the First Republic of Armenia. After Armenia declared independence in 1918, the main political parties joined forces in the diaspora to support the fledgling republic founded in the aftermath of the Genocide. The documents are from the collection of the late Mark Kalustian.
These “Treasures from Our Collection” videos allow us to share items in our collection that you might not otherwise get the chance to see. They are sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
WBZ's Jordan Rich Covers 'On the Edge' Exhibit at AMA
Wonderful coverage by WBZ's Jordan Rich of "On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s-1990s from the Joan & Jack Quinn Family Collection." Our galleries in Boston/Watertown are open Thursday thru Sunday from 12-6.
This photograph of Andy Warhol with Joan Agajanian Quinn was taken in Texas in 1975, courtesy of the Joan Quinn Archives.
Musical Scores of Alan Hovhaness (Treasures from Our Collection)
Are you a music aficionado? We have an extensive collection of albums spanning the past 100 years. In addition to recordings, we have instruments and original scores. Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian shares a few items that once belonged to collector Mark Kaloostian including an original hand-written score by Alan Hovhaness, one of the most prolific Armenian composers of the 20th century.
The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
A Plea for Help from 8th President of MIT (Treasures from Our Collection)
The humble beginnings of Near East Relief began with appeals such as this from Richard Maclaurin, president of Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1909-1920, on behalf of the Children of America’s Fund. Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian shares an item acquired from the collection of the late Mark Kalustian that was a passionate plea to contribute towards orphan relief the aftermath the Armenian Genocide and World War I.
The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
The Archives of Dr. Lucy Der Manuelian (Treasures from Our Collection)
In this week’s video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian highlights just a few items from the archive of the late Lucy Der Manuelian. Dr. Der Manuelian was a long-time Trustee of the Armenian Museum and she was the first holder of the Arthur H. Dadian and Ara T. Oztemel Chair of Armenian Art in the Department of the History of Art and Architecture at Tufts University.
Dr. Der Manuelian passed away in 2021, and her archives on Armenian Art and Architecture including her vast library, slides, and research papers, were bequeathed to our collection.
From hanging out of helicopters in Armenia to capture the perfect shot, to countless hours of research, Dr. Der Manuelian was a pioneer who led an outstanding life! We are fortunate to have such a vast trove of documents and photographs and we anticipate it to be of interest to scholars for years to come. In this video, Gary takes us on a journey to experience how dedicated Lucy was to Armenian culture.
The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s-1990s
Basquiat, Hockney, Ruscha, Altoon, Gehry. They’re all here. Visit the Armenian Museum Thurs thru Sat 12-6 for our new contemporary exhibit of 125 works by 75+ artists!
Vintage Lecture Poster from Dr. Hubbard Nutting (Treasures from Our Collection)
Missionary Hubbard Nutting of Vermont traveled to the Ottoman Empire in the 1800’s and recounted his experiences in a series of lectures. The object featured by Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian is a poster highlighting his 25,000-mile trek on horseback through Armenia and Kurdistan! Dr. Nutting devoted the rest of his life to telling travel stories for audiences across America.
The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
The Man Who Made Arshile Gorky Dance (Treasures from Our Collection)
Artist and musician Yenovk Der Hagopian immigrated to United States in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide and settled in Watertown along with fellow Vanetzi Arshile Gorky. Der Hagopian was known as a folk singer but he was also a refined painter and sculptor. In this video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian displays one of his paintings as well as some of his recordings in our collection.
The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Rev. Fr. Paretchanian's Bowl and Silver Cup (Treasures from Our Collection)
Rev. Fr. Hagop Paretchanian (1830-1923) was regarded as a hero for being the first priest to minister to the Armenians in Massachusetts in the late 1800s. Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian shares two silver pieces that were donated to the Museum by his great-granddaughter. Rev. Paretchanian is remembered for his steadfast efforts towards establishing the first Armenian Church in Boston, and also as a lovable man with a lot of character!
The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. VISIT THE MUSEUM! OUR GALLERIES ARE OPEN THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY FROM 12-6.
Chris Bohjalian on the Value of Membership!
On the sidelines of his visit promoting The Lioness, Chris Bohjalian discusses the importance of membership! Join and share Armenia’s history and culture with the world: www.armenianmuseum.org/membership
Metallurgy From Ancient Lands (Treasures from Our Collection)
Throughout history Armenians have been master metalworkers. The Armenian plateau is rich in iron and copper and was one of the first places to practice metallurgy. Gary Lind-Sinanian highlights two unique 17th century pieces generously donated by Walter Karabian.
This weekly video series, “Treasures from Our Collection,” is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
The Purple East (Treasures from Our Collection)
William Watson was an English poet popular for celebratory content, eulogies, and idealism. His book of sonnets, “The Purple East,” was an attempt to bring attention to Britain’s lack of intervention in the Armenian massacres of 1895. Although his views were not always well-received, he was regarded as a sincere and passionate poet. In this video, Curator Gary Lind Sinanian displays a special edition of this book and others by Sir Watson in our collection.
This weekly video series, “Treasures from Our Collection,” is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Folk Dance Scores and Instruction (Treasures from Our Collection
Sometimes we find references to Armenian culture in the most unusual places! In this video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian scrolls through the 1927 book “American Indian and Other Folk Dances” which includes the first English description of the folk dance “Lepo Lele,” as well as instructions of how to dance to this and several other Armenian songs. Put on your dancing shoes and see if this sounds familiar to you!
These “Treasures from Our Collection” videos allow us to share items in our collection that are not on display and that you might not otherwise have the chance to see. They are sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Machine from Our Past (Treasures from Our Collection)
Our collection includes several examples of vintage Armenian-English typewriters. Thanks to the Estate of Edward Alexanian, we can share this piece with our younger members that may have never even seen a typewriter! This video highlights a pristinely kept Hammond No. 12 that was one of the earliest typewriters ever made and has 38 keys to accommodate the Armenian alphabet.
These “Treasures from Our Collection” videos allow us to share items in our collection that are not on display and that you might not otherwise have the chance to see. They are sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Slave Collar as a Weapon of War (Treasures from Our Collection)
During the Armenian Genocide, Edward Hovanesian witnessed the slaughter of his family. He was captured and endured physical pain that became a part of his tragic past. A spiked metal dog collar worn by Anatolian sheep dogs was fastened to his neck by his Turkish captors. After World War I he escaped, and the collar was brought to the United States in 1921 when he immigrated to join his brother in New England. In this video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian shows one of the objects in our collection that illustrate the inhumanity of the Genocide.
These “Treasures from Our Collection” videos allow us to share items in our collection that are not on display and that you might not otherwise have the chance to see. They are sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
The Magnificently Preserved Last Supper (Treasures from Our Collection)
As we gather around our tables for Easter, we are reminded of the Last Super in which Jesus bestowed grace upon his disciples and the world. The extraordinary etched table-top piece that Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses in this video was made in 1735 and weighs over 80 lbs. Thanks to Dr. Paul and Vicki Bedoukian we have this on display in our gallery today. Through taking a closer look, we have found many intricate details, characteristics, symbols and secrets behind the design of this table that you will find fascinating!
Normally we share items that are not in our collection that you might not otherwise have the chance to see but for this “Treasures from Our Collection” video, we wanted to share this beautiful item just in time for Easter.
These weekly videos are sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Century Old Kitchenware (Treasures from Our Collection)
Thanks to the generosity of our friend Diane Mott, we have two items in our collection from Armenian kitchens of the late 1800’s. Diane is a renowned textile specialist as well as a former curator of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and a curator from the Young Museum in CA. She donated a metal pot and a colander both of which were commonly used handmade kitchen tools. In this video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian showcased these intricately designed and inscribed pieces that were found in homes of that time period.
These “Treasures from Our Collection” videos allow us to share items in our collection that are not on display and that you might not otherwise have the chance to see. They are sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Please note, our new hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
