The Armenian Museum of America: An International Treasure in Watertown, MA

In 1971, a group of Armenian-Americans from the Greater Boston area recognized the need to protect their heritage against the loss and destruction of Armenian relics in the United States. This group formed the Armenian Museum of America, an institution designed to collect, preserve, and promote historic Armenian books and artifacts. In 1972, the museum consisted of two rooms in a church parish house in Belmont, Massachusetts. Today, the institution is the largest Armenian Museum in the Diaspora and resides in the heart of downtown Watertown, Massachusetts.

While the museum has grown in size and international acclaim since its founding, AMA’s mission remains the same. Its purpose lies in maintaining and preserving Armenian artifacts, books, and publications in perpetuity, as well as telling the story of the Armenian people. The museum takes pride in its role of providing a place for Armenian-Americans to discover their roots and aims to highlight the vital part that Armenian people have played in the rich culture of today’s America. 

To date, AMA’s collections hold more than 25,000 artifacts, and the Mesrob Boyajian Library housed within the museum holds over 30,000 cataloged titles. Approximately 14 different exhibits are available annually to provide a spectrum of experiences and celebrations of Armenian history. 

Armenia: Art, Culture, Eternity

Armenia Today

The Story and Heritage of Armenian-Americans

Karsh: Celebrating Humanity

The Art of the Armenian Khachkar

Ara Oshagan

Art by Ara Oshagan

Armenian Museum of America

Art by Ara Oshagan

The Armenian People

Currently, eight exhibits are on display at the museum, including Ara Oshagan: Disrupted, Borders. This contemporary collection weaves photography, collage, installation, and film together to explore diasporic identity and afterlives through the lens of the artist. This exhibit is on view until October 29, 2023.

Cultural and heritage-based preservation has never been more important in America as the country continues to diversify and expand its identity. ERI is honored to work with an institution that encourages education, awareness, and appreciation of the cultural diversity that makes up the lifeblood of our communities, and looks forward to this partnership with AMA.