Armenian Museum of America Executive Director Jason Sohigian (Photograph by Tamar Barsamian)
WATERTOWN, MA--After a lengthy search period, the Armenian Museum of America has recently hired Jason Sohigian as the organization’s Executive Director.
Jason has degrees from Clark University and Harvard University Extension School, and he is well-known locally, nationally, and internationally for his volunteerism and professional work. He has appeared on numerous panels and was featured as speaker at one of the prestigious TEDx events in Yerevan.
Jason served as Editor of the Armenian Weekly newspaper, and most recently as Deputy Director of the Armenia Tree Project. His work at ATP over the past 15 years focused on development, marketing, and environmental sustainability.
“As a leader in the non-profit sector, Jason has led many efforts here in the US as well as in Armenia to help organizations expand and promote their mission,” says Michele Kolligian, President of the Board of Directors. “Jason is a very passionate and proud Armenian with a strong interest in our heritage and rich history. Among other things, his knowledge will play a vital part in our efforts to present the Museum’s incredible coin collection donated to us by the late Paul and Vickie Bedoukian, and their son, Dr. Robert and his wife Gail.”
In 2015, Jason co-founded the Armenian Numismatic and Antiquities Society, which has held several “antiques roadshow” type events, published a journal/newsletter, and developed a website and social media presence for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts.
“To say these are unprecedented times has become a real understatement these days, especially for our community. On top of a global pandemic, we are following an ongoing war in Artsakh every day,” notes Sohigian. “Nevertheless, the Museum has been updating its exhibitions and expanding its virtual offerings. As a living museum, we are more than just a collection of artifacts. Our goal is to increase our membership and continue to curate exhibitions and programs as we celebrate our 50th anniversary in the coming year. We will offer something for everyone.”
Jason lives in Watertown with his wife Vicki and their two children.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason to the Armenian Museum and wish him all the best in his position as Executive Director,” adds Kolligian. “Our goal is to raise the profile of the Museum through exhibitions, public programming, and expanding partnerships. We hope to see more visitors to the Museum in the near future when the pandemic subsides and it safe to resume normal operations. In the meantime, we wish everyone good health and well-being, and wish the same for our Armenian brothers and sisters in Artsakh.”
Founded in 1971, the Armenian Museum of America has grown into a major repository for all forms of material culture that illustrate the creative endeavors of the Armenian people over the centuries. Today, the collections hold more than 20,000 artifacts including 5,000 ancient and medieval coins, over 3,000 textiles and 180 Armenian inscribed rugs, and an extensive collection of Urartian and religious artifacts, ceramics, medieval illuminations, and contemporary art. The Library houses archival materials, more than 27,000 titles, and an oral history collection.
The Museum has the largest and most diverse collection of Armenian objects outside of the Republic of Armenia.