Explore Nearby Museums
 Updated: 6/27/2017 
Armenian Library and Museum of America
Watertown, Massachusetts
Description

The museum is great place to learn about the Armenian heritage: ancient artifacts, rare manuscripts, rugs, textiles, paintings, and musical instruments. The Museum is the largest Armenian museum outside Armenia, and is the second largest ethnic museum in New England. ALMA houses the most extensive collection of Armenian artifacts in North America, with over 20,000 items, 18,000 books, 5,000 coins, 3,000 textiles, 930 rare books, 800 oral histories and 170 Armenian oriental rugs. The building includes Bedoukian Hall, the main exhibit gallery, as well as several smaller side galleries, the research library, a contemporary art gallery, studio space, offices, meeting rooms, and climate-controlled vaults for the storage of rare and delicate pieces. But ALMA is more than just a storehouse of ancient artifacts. It's a living museum where our children can come to discover their roots and where people of all ethnic backgrounds can see how the story of the Armenian people plays a vital part within the rich cultural symphony that is America.

ALMA also houses a contemporary art gallery on the 3rd floor, which showcases the works of artists of Armenian heritage.

History

Over the centuries, the people of Armenia have faced countless challenges. And while some have been more dramatic, none has been more critical than the challenge faced right now by the one million people of Armenian descent who live in the United States. This challenge involves preserving our past, not only for ourselves, but also for generations to come. For without a deep understanding of where we have come from, we can never truly understand why we are here or where we are going.

Out of this respect for the past, the Armenian Library and Museum of America was born. It all began in a church parish house in Belmont, Massachusetts. That's where, in 1971, a group of Armenian educators, professionals and business leaders began collecting Armenian books and artifacts. The collection grew steadily, and in 1985 ALMA opened its doors to the public for the first time. The ground floor of The First Armenian Church of Belmont, Massachusetts became ALMA's new home, and it existed there for several years, independently from the church.

Soon, the need for a larger, more permanent home became apparent. In September of 1988, ALMA purchased and remodeled a modern, four-story brick and glass building in the heart of Watertown, Massachusetts, the center of America's first, and still one of America's largest Armenian communities.

Artifact Collections

An archer's bronze belt that was worn about 700 B.C. A silver coin that was minted before the time of Christ. A Bible that was printed in the 17th century. A "dog collar" that was worn by a victim of the Armenian Genocide in 1915.

These are just some of the fascinating objects that are part of ALMA's permanent collections--collections that include religious artifacts, inscribed rugs, folk costumes, metalwork, paintings, embroideries, currency, illuminated manuscripts, ceramics, home furnishings, photographs, musical instruments and more.

Some of the objects were part of extensive collections that were generously donated by private benefactors. But many items were cherished family heirlooms that were simply collecting dust in people's closets and attics. Over a dozen of ALMA's 100 volunteers are kept busy recording, photographing and cataloguing all the material that comes in every week. Other volunteers work in the conservation laboratories and in the Library.

While most of ALMA's holdings are kept in storage for inspection by researchers, at least 400 items are on exhibit at any given time. This means that exhibits change so that visitors can be assured of seeing something new when they return. ALMA has also recorded over 800 tapes of interviews with survivors of the Armenian Genocide, so that they can be heard by their grandchildren, by researchers, and by any visitor who wants to be inspired by their courage and strength.

Research Collections

For those interested in acquiring in-depth knowledge about virtually every aspect of Armenian life, ALMA's Mesrop Boyajian Library is an invaluable resource. The Library features an extensive collection of books in Armenian, English and other languages. It also offers periodicals, poster, maps, calendars, sheet music, documents, early sound recordings and more, catalogued and in open stacks for easy use by students, researchers and the general public.

The Library's archives (22,000 items) focus on institutional records and personal papers of prominent individuals, as well as special collections including photographs, 1,400 oral history tapes, 1,800 sound recordings, music scores, memorabilia, pamphlets and manuscripts.

Programs

Armenian Library and Museum of America has an active calendar of exhibits both in the Museum itself and in the contemporary art gallery located on the 3rd floor of the ALMA building.

In support of the visual arts, ALMA hosts frequent exhibits of contemporary artists either of Armenian decent or Armenian subject matter. The exhibits feature the works of artists from all over the world.

Governance

Board of Trustees

Library
The Mesrob G. Boyajian Library

For those interested in acquiring in-depth knowledge about virtually every aspect of Armenian life, the Armenian Museum’s Mesrob G. Boyajian Library is an invaluable resource. The Library’s over 30,000 titles include an extensive collection of books in Armenian, English and other languages. It also includes periodicals, posters, maps, calendars, sheet music, documents, oral histories, early sound recordings and more, cataloged for use by students, researchers and the general public.

Hours & Location: The Mesrob G. Boyajian Library is located on the 4th floor of the Armenian Museum’s Mugar building. The library is open on Fridays 1 pm-5 pm. Please inquire in advance at (617) 926-2562 x 5 to schedule research/study sessions during other hours.

Access: Students, Scholars

Appointment required: True

Services
Gift Shop

Books, CDs & DVDs, Classes, Clothing & Accessories, Home Decor, Membership, Prints & Posters.

Group Tours (by appointment only)

A minimum of 8 people are required for a private group tour. Tours are offered at no additional charge during standard museum hours, subject to availability of the guide. Tours desired during non-standard museum hours will be accepted on a case by case basis subject to calendar and guide availability. In these cases the standard admission charge will apply plus an additional charge per person depending on the size of group.

Make it your Gallery - Event Rental

ALMA’s Contemporary Art Gallery is often used for conferences, lectures, professional meetings, music recitals, film series, book and curatorial talks, and cultural events. The Gallery provides a wonderful combination of contemporary art and ethnic ambiance. A guided tour of the Museum can be arranged as part of the occasion. ALMA’s decision to allow the Contemporary Art Gallery to be used as a function hall for private events stems from ALMA’s willingness to appeal to a wider audience while, at the same time, enabling individuals and organizations a unique way to support ALMA. Events will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Volunteer

Volunteers form a vital part of the work that goes on at Armenian Museum of America. Over the past 40 years, the Armenian Museum of America has made a fine reputation for itself as a premier destination for student groups, families and tourists to discover the rich history and culture of the Armenian people.

The Armenian Museum of America’s increasing popularity has sparked a recent rise in visitors and groups seeking guided tours. Qualified volunteers will have an interest in Armenian history and culture. They will attend a training session and should be able to commit to a minimum of four hours per week. Interested persons may contact the museum office by emailing info@armenianmuseum.org or calling (617) 926-2562 ext. 4.

Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Event Rental
Group Tours
Address
65 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
phone: 617-926-2562
e-mail: info@armenianmuseum.org
home page: www.armenianmuseum.org/
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Hours of Operation
Museum Hours
Sunday, Thursday - Saturday12 PM - 6 PM
Monday - Tuesdayclosed

Wednesday: Tours by appointment only (at least one [1] week in advance)

Administrative Offices
Monday - Friday9:30 AM - 5 PM
Museum Type(s)
Art
Culture
History
Library
Staff
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

Tuesday, March 11 - Friday, March 14, 2025

Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hosted by: Tennessee Association of Museums

Tennessee museums are full of hope. But how are they turning hope into reality

With the Semiquincentennial quickly approaching in 2026, the state's museum community if approaching a turning point, and is now a great time to take stock and develop a vision for the future

The Tennessee Association of Museums' 64th Annual Conference in Knoxville will challenge the state's museums to think ahead and share their hopes, the best practices and strategies for turning those hoes into realities, and the rewards that come from aspirational thinking

The 2025 TAM Annual Conference will take place at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN.

For more information, please call 615-495-3354 or email hawkins@aaslh.org.

Virginia Association of Museum's 2025 Annual Conference!

March 15 - 18, 2025

Blacksburg, Virginia

Virginia Association of Museum's 2025 Annual Conference!

Saturday, March 15 - Tuesday, March 18, 2025

The Inn at Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia

Hosted by: Virginia Association of Museums

2025 Conference Theme: Looking Back to the Future For the past several years, many museums have been deeply involved in planning programs and events to observe the 250th birthday of the United States of America. While this is certainly an occasion to celebrate, this anniversary also forces us as a society to reckon with ongoing inequities and challenges within the US that go back to its inception. As museums ask their audiences to look to the past to understand the present and shape a better future, perhaps now is a good moment in time for Virginia’s museum community to take pause and look back at its own history. We are excited to see you in Blacksburg in March 2025 as we take a moment in our hectic schedules to take pause and visit our diverse pasts. Let’s uncover and share our histories to build a more resilient Virginia museum community.

Ohio Museum Asociation 2025 Annual Conference - Athens

March 29 - 31, 2025

Athens, Ohio

Ohio Museum Asociation 2025 Annual Conference - Athens

Saturday, March 29 - Monday, March 31, 2025

TBA

Athens, Ohio

Hosted by: Ohio Museums Association

"Innovation: Museums and Reaching our Potential

The heart of innovation is transformation – shaking up our established way of doing things by introducing new methods, new ideas, and new approaches to both obstacles and opportunities

Museums across Ohio are not just adapting, but innovating to reach their full potential and better serve their communities. No matter their role, museum professionals are introducing forward-thinking perspectives and initiating creative solutions to launch the field into a future where museums can remain trusted and relevant community cornerstones

How can your museum stay true to mission and serve your community in new and meaningful ways? How can we as museum professionals meet the challenges of the future with reinvigorated enthusiasm

Join us in Athens, March 29-31 as we explore these topics and more at the 2025 Ohio Museums Association’s Annual Conference: Innovation: Museums and Reaching our Potential.

For more information, please email oma@ohiohistory.org.

North Carolina Museums Council 2025 Annual Conference

March 30 - 31, 2025

Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina Museums Council 2025 Annual Conference

Sunday, March 30 - Monday, March 31, 2025

TBA

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hosted by: North Carolina Museums Council

Museums Unwalled: Expanding Horizon

This theme highlights the importance of museums as dynamic entities that engage with communities, foster education, drive cultural change and often go beyond the building itself. By focusing on areas such as community engagement, digital and virtual presence, interdisciplinary collaborations, sustainability, accessibility, and cultural diversity, we aim to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for all attendees

The primary objective is to provide a platform for museum professionals and others working in the industry to share ideas, best practices, resources and innovative approaches that demonstrate how museums can reach audiences in and beyond our physical spaces. We aim to inspire attendees to think broadly about the potential of their institutions and to foster a spirit of innovation and community engagement.

By facilitating discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, the conference will empower current and future museum professionals and to expand their impact, embrace new challenges, and create meaningful connections with their audiences and communities.

Arkansas Museums Association 2025 Conference

March 31 - April 3, 2025

Washington, Arkansas

Arkansas Museums Association 2025 Conference

Monday, March 31 - Thursday, April 3, 2025

Historic Washington State Park

Washington, Arkansas

Hosted by: Arkansas Museums Association

"From the Ground Up: Cultivating Essential Skills in Museums

This year, the AMA conference theme is "From the Ground Up: Cultivating Essential Skills in Museums" As museum professionals we learn and use a wide variety of tools and skills every day

The Arkansas Museums Association is planning its 2025 Annual Conference, which will be hosted by Historic Washington State Park on March 31-April 3, 2025.

The goal of the conference is to support and foster the museum community through a mix of speakers as well as workshops, practical and informative presentations, in-depth discussions, and examples of projects and initiatives that are relevant to museums in Arkansas. Arkansas Museum Association members take ownership in the conference experience as presenters, speakers, panelists, facilitators, and workshop leaders.

For more information, please email arkansasmuseums@gmail.com.

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