Armenian Museum of America

06/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a memorable evening of music at the Armenian Museum of America as part of our Music in Color concert series. We were honored to welcome legendary oud virtuoso John Berberian and acclaimed contemporary musician Antranig Kzirian for a captivating performance that bridged two generations of Armenian musical tradition.

John and Antranig performed 17 songs including Gharapaghi Yeghnig, a beloved folk song from Artsakh that celebrates the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, Ghujin Ara and Sari Nor Yar Jan, collected and arranged by Komitas, and Maggi Aghchigner, a spirited dance tune associated with the Meghri region and popularized in America on John Berberian’s Echoes of Armenia album.

“The antiquity of the oud and the environment of the Armenian Museum with its timeless artifacts was a perfect venue for such a concert. Guests enjoyed exploring the exhibits, and for me, it will always be a night to remember,” noted John Berberian after the performance.

“A memorable experience to share the storied history and artistry of Armenian oud and simultaneously breathe new life into our endangered oud music. To accomplish all this at such a venerable institution made it all the more impactful and fitting,” added Antranig Kzirian. “Cultural events such as this preserve and empower our community and serve a critical role to pass the responsibility as custodians of this music along to succeeding generations.”

The Music in Color program fosters meaningful engagement with the Museum’s exhibitions through live performance and educational elements, inviting audiences to experience the rich tapestry of Armenian music and art. The program is now in its second year and is generously supported by Nancy R. Kolligian.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NATALIE NIGITO.

06/15/2026

We are co-hosting Rouben and Liz Simonian for the launch of their book at the Watertown Free Public Library on July 16. Rouben will share the story of his transformative journey from childhood in Beirut to a successful architecture career. His heartfelt memoir explores themes of identity, resilience, and rediscovery as he reconnects with family and finds new purpose in his homeland.

The son of Armenian Genocide survivors, Rouben grew up in Beirut and earned a degree in architecture from the Royal Academy of Arts in Brussels. After relocating to Memphis, he spent much of his career designing hotels and airport facilities. His wife Liz is a retired nurse, an avid reader, animal lover, and foodie. Signed books will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Armenian Museum of America.

06/13/2026

We were saddened to hear of the passing of artist David Hockney on Friday. He created four portraits of collector and muse Joan Agajanian Quinn, who is an esteemed member of our Executive Committee. This portrait of Joan was on view in our contemporary art gallery in 2022-2023 as part of the "On the Edge" exhibition from the Jack and Joan Quinn Family Collection.

06/13/2026

“As the first Armenian museum to host an exhibition of Arshile Gorky’s work, we are honored to share this remarkable collection. When we saw the response from our members and the art world, we made every effort to extend the exhibit so we can share this unique story with a wider audience. We are truly grateful to the lenders. We are proud to present these rarely seen works and to invite visitors to engage with Gorky’s story in a meaningful way.” - Museum President Michele M. Kolligian

Our three floors of gallery space are located at 65 Main Street, Watertown, MA. We are open Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 to 6:00. Plan your visit today!

WATERTOWN, Mass. — Due to overwhelming interest and positive reviews from prominent publications such as Boston Art Review and Artscope magazine, the Armenian Museum of America (AMA) has announced the extension of “Arshile Gorky: Redrawing Community and Connections” to September 27, 2026. The ...

06/09/2026

Please note: This is a ticketed event and a confirmation from Eventbrite is requited to reserve your seat. If you signed up for complimentary admission and your membership is not current, you will have to contact Development Associate Denise Takvorian BEFORE THURSDAY at (617) 926-2562 x102.

We look forward to offering this performance and conversation between two generations of Armenian oud players in our Adele and Haig Der Manuelian Galleries!

06/05/2026

Khatchig Mouradian invited our Collections Manager Caprice Erickson to contribute an article on behalf of the Museum that reflects Armenian contributions to American history on the occasion of the Semiquincentennial anniversary of our country. She decided to focus on Moses Hadji Gulesian, an immigrant from Marash that saved "Old Ironsides."

Gulesian became embroiled in a political controversy that would have a permanent impact on American history. In 1797, the American warship USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") was launched from Boston and won glory in several battles. By 1905 the Navy decided to tow the ship out to sea and use her as an artillery target.

Alarmed at the loss of this piece of history, Gulesian wired the Secretary of the Navy offering to buy the ship. The government refused to sell her to an individual, but Gulesian initiated a campaign that grew into a national protest. Congress authorized a partial restoration so the ship could be used as a museum.

Gulesian donated the work on repairing the metal fittings including the copper plating on the hull, and formed the Old Ironsides Association with Henry Cabot Lodge, Calvin Coolidge, Mrs. Larz Anderson, and A. Lawrence Lowell. The Elks created an essay contest "Save Old Ironsides" for children, which raised money and brought attention to the plight of the frigate. After a national tour, the ship returned to Boston's Charlestown Navy Yard in 1934 and is still a fully commissioned US Navy Ship.

How can an Armenian immigrant from Marash, arriving in the United States virtually penniless and without connections, become a Son of the American Revolution? Moses Hadji Gulesian (1863-1951) did just that, not only achieving that so-called American Dream, but surpassing it to become a successful bu...

06/01/2026

Thank you to our members and friends who joined us for the special preview of "Father" by artist Diana Markosian. The mood and spirit of the evening were beautifully reflected in Diana's powerful work, and we are grateful to Diana, our Curator Anahit Gasparyan, and special guest actress Angela Sarafyan for sharing such thoughtful and moving reflections with our community.

"Father" is now open to the public and will remain on view through Sept. 13. We invite everyone to experience this extraordinary exhibition/installation exploring themes of memory, identity, loss, and belonging. Our galleries in Watertown (Boston) are open Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 to 6:00. Event photography by Natalie Nigito.

05/27/2026

By the late 1940s, the recording industry began to flourish. Across the street from NBC Studios in Hollywood was the Electro-Vox Studio, a popular label used by well-known artists including Henry Mancini, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie.

A rare set of records was made there by a young Armenian woman, Louise Danielian. Her accompanist, Marshall Chashoudian, was born in Haverhill in 1901. He went on to become a member of the faculty at the LA Conservatory of Music. In 1947, he became the local representative for the American National Committee to Aid Homeless Armenians, an organization to resettle displaced Armenians in Europe after World War II.

While much is known about Chashoudian, vocalist Louise Danielian seems to have turned her attention away from the music industry but has left us her unique renditions of these four popular Armenian songs from their sessions at Electro-Vox.

Explore Louise Danielian & Marshall Chashoudian's unique Armenian music recordings in Hollywood, revealing their exceptional contributions.

05/26/2026

We are thrilled to invite our members to the exclusive opening of "Father," the powerful new exhibition by acclaimed artist Diana Markosian, on Thursday, May 28.

We are excited to announce a special guest appearance by actress Angela Sarafyan--known for her roles in Westworld, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, A Beautiful Life, and The Promise--who will join artist Diana Markosian and curator Anahit Gasparyan for the evening’s discussion panel.

This deeply moving exhibition and panel will explore memory, family, identity, and re-connection through photography, film, and personal narrative. Signed copies of Diana’s book will be available for purchase.

The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, May 29. Please note: This is a ticketed event for current members of the Armenian Museum only. An RSVP is required via Eventbrite to attend and your membership must be current.

05/24/2026

We’ve extended the Arshile Gorky exhibition after strong interest from visitors and positive reviews from arts publications. Don’t miss it! Our galleries in Watertown (Boston) are open Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 to 6:00.