Investigating the Hidden Secrets of a Merchant’s Desk

Do you think you can find all the hidden compartments in this merchant’s desk? There are more than you might imagine! Join Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian as he explores this secretive object to uncover its mysteries. Gary discusses the significance and history of this merchant’s desk, its ownership, and his initial difficulties finding all the hidden drawers when the object was donated.

Throughout the centuries, Armenian merchants were known and respected in Asia and Europe, building businesses and networks that spanned both continents along the Silk Road. Their connection to both East and West through culture and language enabled them to become cross-cultural intermediaries. At times, they used their economic clout to influence political decisions for the betterment of other Armenians.

Slave Collar as a Weapon of War

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.

Artifacts Relating to Genocide and Genocide Remembrance

The Armenian Genocide is one of the most widely-discussed topics in Armenian History, in part because it was relatively recent, it took place during global conflict, and because today we find many connections between current events and the events of 1915-1923. As part of this discussion, the global Armenian community recognizes April 24th as a commemorative day to honor and remember the tragedy of the Armenian Genocide. However, it wasn’t until 50 years after the first days of the Genocide that this date was established to officially recognize the atrocities.

Printed materials are some of the most concrete representations of moments in history. Join Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian as he presents several pieces of Genocide and Genocide recognition printed materials from the collection, and discusses how they reflect the way in which the public was aware of the Genocide throughout the 20th century.