Treasures from Our Collection
Yousuf Karsh Redefined
For generations, Yousuf Karsh defined the photographic portrait, creating unforgettable images of statesmen, writers, actors, artists, musicians, and scientists. His 1941 portrait of Winston Churchill, on view on our galleries, launched his international career and established him as one of the world’s most celebrated portrait photographers. But Karsh’s work extends far beyond his iconic portraits. In the latest installment of “Treasures from Our Collection,” we explore the lesser-known sides of Karsh’s career from his early photographic experiments and personal images to gifts presented to Yousuf and his beloved wife Estrellita. These new acquisitions, some of which were donated to our collection by the Estate of Estrellita Karsh, reveal a more intimate side of the artist and his extraordinary ability to capture the humanity of every person he photographed.
For generations, Yousuf Karsh defined the photographic portrait, creating unforgettable images of statesmen, writers, actors, artists, musicians, and scientists. His 1941 portrait of Winston Churchill, on view on our galleries, launched his international career and established him as one of the world’s most celebrated portrait photographers.
But Karsh’s work extends far beyond his iconic portraits. In the latest installment of “Treasures from Our Collection,” we explore the lesser-known sides of Karsh’s career from his early photographic experiments and personal images to gifts presented to Yousuf and his beloved wife Estrellita. These new acquisitions, some of which were donated to our collection by the Estate of Estrellita Karsh, reveal a more intimate side of the artist and his extraordinary ability to capture the humanity of every person he photographed.
“Treasures from Our Collection, Where Every Object Tells a Story” is a video series sponsored by a generous donation from Michele M. Kolligian, President of the AMoA’s Board of Trustees.
A Ballot for a New Armenia
As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s Independence on Sept. 21, we look to an object in our collection that captures a pivotal moment in history. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia embarked on the difficult process of establishing itself as an independent nation. The transition brought political, social, and economic change. Yet, alongside these challenges came the opportunity to shape the country’s own democratic future. This ballot is a small but powerful reminder of that historic transition. It represents a moment when Armenians were no longer participating in a Soviet political system, but were beginning to exercise the rights and responsibilities of an independent nation. It was donated to our collection by Dr. Hayk Demoyan, one of our esteemed Academic Advisors.
As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s Independence on Sept. 21, we look to an object in our collection that captures a pivotal moment in history. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia embarked on the difficult process of establishing itself as an independent nation. The transition brought political, social, and economic change. Yet, alongside these challenges came the opportunity to shape the country’s own democratic future.
This ballot is a small but powerful reminder of that historic transition. It represents a moment when Armenians were no longer participating in a Soviet political system, but were beginning to exercise the rights and responsibilities of an independent nation. It was donated to our collection by Dr. Hayk Demoyan, one of our esteemed Academic Advisors.
Treasures from Our Collection, Where Every Object Tells a Story, is a video series sponsored by a generous donation from Michele M. Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
The Calligraphy of Parseg Kashishian
Discover the inspiring story of Parseg Kashishian, whose lifelong dream began at the age of 12 when he envisioned one day handwriting the Armenian Bible. At 58, he began turning that dream into reality through the ancient art of Armenian calligraphy, dedicating approximately 25 hours to each page. We are honored to have in our collection five of Kashishian's handcrafted volumes, including his masterpiece, the Mashtots Bible. Each book features exquisite calligraphy and traditional Armenian silver covers created by master silversmiths.
Discover the inspiring story of Parseg Kashishian, whose lifelong dream began at the age of 12 when he envisioned one day handwriting the Armenian Bible. At 58, he began turning that dream into reality through the ancient art of Armenian calligraphy, dedicating approximately 25 hours to each page. We are honored to have in our collection five of Kashishian's handcrafted volumes, including his masterpiece, the Mashtots Bible. Each book features exquisite calligraphy and traditional Armenian silver covers created by master silversmiths.
The Treasures from Our Collection video series is generously sponsored by Michele M. Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
How Museum Objects Inspired the Graphic Novel 'Fustuk'
The Armenian Museum of America welcomes Russ Manning Award-nominated writer and illustrator Robert Mgrdich Apelian for this month's Treasures from Our Collection video. Robert talks about his graphic novel, Fustuk, and how he was inspired by the Armenian and Persian cultures to create a world for his story. The book references Armenian art and artifacts, many examples of which you can find in our galleries. Fustuk follows an Armenian family in a fantasy version of the medieval Persian Empire who strike a deal with a magical div to save the life of their mother. The book weaves together multiple timelines in a story of Armenian family and food, speaking to a diasporic culture and how those within it relate to their different worlds."
The Armenian Museum of America welcomes Russ Manning Award-nominated writer and illustrator Robert Mgrdich Apelian for this month's Treasures from Our Collection video. Robert talks about his graphic novel, Fustuk, and how he was inspired by the Armenian and Persian cultures to create a world for his story. The book references Armenian art and artifacts, many examples of which you can find in our galleries.
Fustuk follows an Armenian family in a fantasy version of the medieval Persian Empire who strike a deal with a magical div to save the life of their mother. The book weaves together multiple timelines in a story of Armenian family and food, speaking to a diasporic culture and how those within it relate to their different worlds."
The Treasures from Our Collection video series is generously sponsored by Michele M. Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
The Art of Kegham Tazian
Recognized nationally and internationally for his contributions to contemporary art, Kegham Tazian is an influential Armenian-American artist who came to the United States in 1960 from Beirut. He is known for blending Armenian motifs, Middle Eastern influences, and modernist abstraction into a deeply expressive visual language. His work explores themes of suffering, spirituality, memory, and humanity’s relationship to industry and modern life. In this video, Collections Manager Caprice Erickson-Lara shows us several of his notable works that we have in our collection. The six pieces reflect motifs employed by Tazian, such as the relationship between humanity and industry, the troubled yet sacred past of the Armenian religious experience, and themes of identity, resilience, and ancestral memory.
Recognized nationally and internationally for his contributions to contemporary art, Kegham Tazian is an influential Armenian-American artist who came to the United States in 1960 from Beirut. He is known for blending Armenian motifs, Middle Eastern influences, and modernist abstraction into a deeply expressive visual language. His work explores themes of suffering, spirituality, memory, and humanity’s relationship to industry and modern life.
In this video, Collections Manager Caprice Erickson-Lara shows us several of his notable works that we have in our collection. The six pieces reflect motifs employed by Tazian, such as the relationship between humanity and industry, the troubled yet sacred past of the Armenian religious experience, and themes of identity, resilience, and ancestral memory.
The Treasures from Our Collection video series is generously sponsored by Michele M. Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Honoring the Legacy of Rev. Vartan Hartunian
Located on the Museum’s second floor adjacent to the Genocide Exhibit, a new display case honors the life and legacy of Rev. Vartan Hartunian, a founder of the Armenian Museum of America and a devoted minister of the First Armenian Church of Belmont. Born in 1915, Rev. Hartunian dedicated his life to faith, education, and remembrance. Following his retirement from ministry, he remained active in the Museum. At the heart of this installation is a powerful book, Neither to Laugh Nor to Weep, rooted in his father’s firsthand experiences during the Armenian Genocide. Rev. Hartunian spent over 20 years bringing his father’s account to print, and he guided audiences in understanding the moral complexities of genocide.
Located on the Museum’s second floor adjacent to the Genocide Exhibit, a new display case honors the life and legacy of Rev. Vartan Hartunian, a founder of the Armenian Museum of America and a devoted minister of the First Armenian Church of Belmont. Born in 1915, Rev. Hartunian dedicated his life to faith, education, and remembrance. Following his retirement from ministry, he remained active in the Museum.
At the heart of this installation is a powerful book, Neither to Laugh Nor to Weep, rooted in his father’s firsthand experiences during the Armenian Genocide. Rev. Hartunian spent over 20 years bringing his father’s account to print, and he guided audiences in understanding the moral complexities of genocide.
The new exhibit honoring Rev. Abraham Hartunian and Rev. Vartan Hartunian is sponsored by Dr. Byron Hartunian and Dr. Nelson Hartunian. The Treasures from Our Collection video series is sponsored by Michele M. Kolligian, President of the Museum's Board of Trustees.
Cambridge-Yerevan Sister City Exchange
Since the 1987 agreement establishing the Cambridge Yerevan Sister City Association, Cambridge and Yerevan have shared objects and cultural treasures as symbols of friendship and mutual respect. At Cambridge City Hall, Mayor Alice Wolf showcased a remarkable gift from Yerevan: a dove rendered in delicate filigree. This beautiful piece was recently donated to our collection by the City of Cambridge and CYSCA, and is discussed here by Collections Manager Caprice Erickson and Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian. While doves are often symbols of peace and traditionally appear as containers for holy oil, this piece is purely decorative, showcasing unusually intricate filigree work that is not typical of traditional Armenian art. It stands as a unique testament to both artistic skill and the enduring bond between Cambridge and Yerevan. Watch the video to see this exquisite piece and learn more about this cultural exchange.
Since the 1987 agreement establishing the Cambridge Yerevan Sister City Association, Cambridge and Yerevan have shared objects and cultural treasures as symbols of friendship and mutual respect. At Cambridge City Hall, Mayor Alice Wolf showcased a remarkable gift from Yerevan: a dove rendered in delicate filigree.
This beautiful piece was recently donated to our collection by the City of Cambridge and CYSCA, and is discussed here by Collections Manager Caprice Erickson and Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian.
While doves are often symbols of peace and traditionally appear as containers for holy oil, this piece is purely decorative, showcasing unusually intricate filigree work that is not typical of traditional Armenian art. It stands as a unique testament to both artistic skill and the enduring bond between Cambridge and Yerevan. Watch the video to see this exquisite piece and learn more about this cultural exchange.
The Treasures from Our Collection video series is generously sponsored by Michele M. Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, and it offers a rare glimpse into our collection with an emphasis on objects and artifacts that are not currently on display.
Lucy Khederian's Handmade Textiles
Discover the exquisite artistry of Lucy Khederian’s Handmade Textiles featuring Janyak, or traditional Armenian needle lace. Each piece begins at the center, with intricate patterns that grow outward, crafted in a single sitting when possible. Composite designs are made separately and meticulously sewn together, a process that can take months to complete. These textiles showcase not only exceptional skill but also a deep sense of duty and devotion to family. Some creations, like delicate bedspreads, were made for sale, with labels sent to specialty shops. Each piece is a living piece of social history, reflecting both artistry and tradition.
Discover the exquisite artistry of Lucy Khederian’s Handmade Textiles featuring Janyak, or traditional Armenian needle lace. Each piece begins at the center, with intricate patterns that grow outward, crafted in a single sitting when possible. Composite designs are made separately and meticulously sewn together, a process that can take months to complete. These textiles showcase not only exceptional skill but also a deep sense of duty and devotion to family. Some creations, like delicate bedspreads, were made for sale, with labels sent to specialty shops. Each piece is a living piece of social history, reflecting both artistry and tradition.
The Treasures from Our Collection video series is generously sponsored by Michele M. Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, and it offers a rare glimpse into our collection with an emphasis on objects and artifacts that are not currently on display.
Armenian Studies Book Collection
Andrew Kzirian Donates Armenian Studies Book Collection to Our Mesrob G. Boyajian Research Library
Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian shares a few highlights of the nearly 2,000 books on Armenian Studies collected over a lifetime by Andrew Kzirian and generously donated to our Mesrob G. Boyajian Library last year.
A native of Philadelphia, Mr. Kzirian has been a lifelong activist in the Armenian community. He credits his family and community for inspiring him to be an advocate for Armenian issues. In particular, his late mother Sara Yasaian Kzirian helped instill in him a feeling of pride in his heritage.
Mr. Kzirian received his bachelor’s degree in education from Temple University and his master’s degree in near eastern history and Armenian Studies from UCLA.
He started his career as an educator, first as an instructor at Bucks County Community College, as the first principal at Hovnanian Armenian School and director of the Armenian Bilingual Project for the Watertown School Department. He went on to pursue a successful career in sales, including Interstate Lift, the family business.
Mr. Kzirian spent a memorable summer as director of Camp Haiastan and wrote numerous articles. He was invited by the Armenian Committee for Cultural Relations to attend a summer institute for Armenian teachers from the Diaspora. He was also awarded a scholarship by the Armenian Relief Society to study Armenian at the Nishan Palandjian Djemaran in Beirut.
A highlight of his involvement in Armenian activities was being selected as a World Delegate to attend the World Assembly at the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias. He was given the Vahan Cardashian Award by the Armenian National Committee in 2021.
Mr. Kzirian lives in New Jersey with his wife, Madonna, and is the proud father of Antranig and Jim Kzirian.
The Treasures from Our Collection video series is generously sponsored by Michele M. Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, and it offers a rare glimpse into our collection with an emphasis on objects and artifacts that are not currently on display.
Pen and Ink of Haroutiun Samuelian
Haroutiun Samuelian is a renowned pencil and ink artist from Armenia, celebrated for his minimalist approach to design. Preferring black and white to avoid the distractions of color, he has created over 50 postal stamps for the Armenian post office, demonstrating a remarkable ability to convey depth and meaning through monochrome artistry. A prolific designer, Samuelian has won numerous competitions in stamp design, emblems, medals, coins, and banknotes. Notably, he is also one of the architects behind the current State Emblem of the Republic of Armenia, solidifying his legacy in the nation’s artistic heritage.
Echoes of Armenian Craftsmanship
In this video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian has two objects that demonstrate trades of our past that together stand as a testament to Armenian craftsmanship. One is a silver weathered whip handle once used for guiding livestock and the other a delicate glass cutter crafted from bone and set with a diamond. Each object tells its own story: the whip, with its worn leather and intricate carvings, whispered of life on a distant farm, while the glass cutter, with bygone artistry of precision and elegance.
WWII Painting Skimmed by Bullets
We have a painting by Private John Kazanjian of Arlington, MA, with an incredible story! John served as a combat engineer in the U.S. army during World War II. Just as he completed a painting depicting a war scene from the beach in Normandy, bullets from a German war plane skimmed the surface of the canvas. Both John and the painting survived this difficult time during our history.
Painting Skimmed by Bullets
We have a painting by Private John Kazanjian of Arlington, MA, with an incredible story! John served as a combat engineer in the U.S. army during World War II. Just as he completed a painting depicting a war scene from the beach in Normandy, bullets from a German war plane skimmed the surface of the canvas. Both John and the painting survived this difficult time during our history.
Armenian Customs Depicted in Folk Art Painting
In this video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian shares a painting by an unknown artist which depicts a scene from Easter. In the Armenian Church there are five great feast days (Daghavars). They are Christmas, Easter, Vartavar, Assumption of Saint Mary, and Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The week preceding each Daghavar is a week of fasting, except for Easter which has its own seven week fast (lent). The day after Easter is called merelotz, which is a solemn day for remembrance.
1946 Book Raises Funds for Displaced Armenians
After World War II, there were thousands of Armenians liberated from German prisoner of war camps. We have several books in our collection that were published during this time period, telling the story of George Mardikian and the Armenian National Committee for Homeless Armenians (ANCHA). In one book published in 1946, we found a memo written to Dr. Aram Boghosian requesting that instead of sending payment, he should make a donation to one of the organizations assisting these refugees and displaced persons. Many of them were eventually resettled in other countries including the USA.
3-in-1 Wedding Band
We have a unique family heirloom from 1887 that was donated by author, actress, and former TV news anchor Cathy Burnham Martin. The ring belonged to her grandmother and is also part of her new historical fiction trilogy. Made by an Armenian jeweler, two adjoining hands meet in the middle to embrace a gold heart that opens up to three separate rings.
Our Oldest Secular Textile
In this video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian shows us the oldest non-religious textile in our collection which is a silk scarf that was presented as a wedding gift in the late 1700's. There are also two other lace pieces that are from the early 1900's which demonstrate typical Armenian styles of floral embroidery.
Discover the Colorful Brilliance of Minas Avetisian
Minas Avetisian (1928-1975) painted and illustrated in a style that was revolutionary for his time. Born in the village of Jajur, Minas reshaped the pallet of colors and style that were typical of Armenian artists at the time. His method differs from traditional plein-air (outdoor) painting as he completed most of his works in his studio. He chose bold lines and primary colors to evoke deep emotion in his works. In this video, Gay Lind-Sinanian highlights two pieces that were gifted to our collection by Dr. and Mrs. Nishan and Mary Goudsouzian. Mary is a long-time Trustee of the Armenian Museum of America.
To All My Loved Ones Be Happy
"To All My Loved Ones Be Happy," is the inscribed message on a small, beaded bag that orphan Frances Paelian held in her little hand. In this video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian tells us about the significance of blue beads intentionally sewn into her vest and explains other unique items that she had in her possession. These objects were thoughtfully created with purpose and symbolism that is still relevant in our culture today.
Dance the Bijo with Us
Dance is a vital part of Armenian culture, and its preservation is important to us here at the Museum. In this video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian takes us step-by-step to learn one variation of the popular Bijo dance that originated in Sebastia.
While this video is not about an artifact in our collection, many people know that Gary’s talent and passion is in preserving and teaching Armenian folk dance, so it is not forgotten. Gary demonstrates this high energy dance, which was adapted as Sebastatsis immigrated to communities like Springfield and Providence in the aftermath of the Genocide.