Much like writing text or letters, most people write music on computers these days. Once upon a time, however, scores were written by hand and only printed later once the work was complete. These original handwritten sheets of music are rare, but at the Armenian Museum we have several sets from the prolific composer Alan Hovhaness. Hovhaness was a Massachusetts native who decided on his career path at a very young age. Watch as collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the career and legacy of Alan Hovhaness.
Stencils
Career changes late in life are often quite difficult, even if they are by choice. Imagine being forced into such a change because not only did you lose your job, but your hand as well! That is what happened to the gentleman discussed in this week’s video. Out of tragedy was born opportunity, however, and this story has a happy ending. Watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses how one man’s skill and attention to detail led to a successful stencil-making career.
The Art of Jack Kevorkian
The Armenian Museum’s collection spans the entirety of Armenian history and culture, including contemporary artwork and political commentary. This week we look at a piece of socio-political art in our collection from the late 20th century. The imagery is powerful and it is all the more interesting because of the artist: the late Dr. Jack Kevorkian. Click to watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the doctor, his artwork, and his inspiration.
A Gift from the Shah
In recent weeks we have discussed the Azgapetian Family and their work for Near East Relief. While this is some of the most important and meaningful work they performed, their pre-Genocide experiences are worth examining as well. In this week’s video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the military life of General Mesrop Nevton Azgapetian and some of the honors that were bestowed upon him such as this elaborate men’s coat from the Shah of Persia. The Museum has an extensive collection of historic garments and textiles, donated by hundreds of people over the past 50 years.
Mother Armenia
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in some cases it’s more than that. In some cases it can represent a nation: St. Patrick and Ireland, a bald eagle and America, a dragon and China, a Lion and the UK. For Armenia? The aptly named Mother Armenia figure conjures up feelings of national pride. Click to listen as Collection Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses how this symbol came to be and what she means to Armenians.
House Dioramas
The impact of tragedy and loss effects us all differently, but for Armenians who survived the Genocide, there was a common response to remember and sometimes recreate what was lost. From gardens, to furnishings and more, Armenians often bring or create something of the homeland no matter where they go. Some have even taken it a step further and actually recreated their home, but in miniature. Watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses why this was done and the way in which it manifests as a form of folk art, including in tiny houses!
Survivor's Costume
Do you remember when you were five years old? Many of us were starting kindergarten, learning our ABCs, and enjoying weekend cartoons. But for the young boy who wore the costume in this week’s video, childhood was a very different experience. Click to watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses one of the few boys’ costumes in our collection, which belonged to a survivor of the Armenian Genocide from the town of Shatakh.
Attic Treasures
Recently a local member of our community found documents in their home that tell the story of entrepreneur Hovsep Ajemian of Kharpert and his wife Verjin Farmanian. The documents are fascinating pieces of a puzzle about the life they start together and about their journey to America. Learn more about this story as told by Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian.
Rug Cartoons
A lot of people are taking a second look at their homes after spending more time inside over the past year. Renovations, additions, or even just a new coat of paint are transforming our homes. However, No cozy room is complete without a rug! Thankfully we have online suppliers with quick shipping and returns, but that was not always the case. Click to watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the process of selecting and purchasing a rug in the early 20th century.
Memory Books
The Armenian Museum’s collections, library, and archives house material related to every facet of Armenian life. Because of the way we catalogue and store items for preservation, it is sometimes difficult to see the connections among objects upon initial examination. However, one simple question can open the informational flood gates and these connections suddenly make themselves very well known! Click to watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses a recent experience of this nature, and the histories he connected as a result!
18th Century World Maps
In a world with Google Maps and Waze navigation, paper maps have gone the way of the dinosaurs for most people. In the 18th century, however, maps were a vital and coveted item, particularly for merchants. While made for navigation, cartography became an artform as evidenced by the fine detail in the cartouches and depictions of animals and landmarks. Those displayed in the video above were produced in Armenian by the Mekhitarist Order in the 18th century. Watch as Collection Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses trade, maps, and the role of geopolitics in the creation of new maps.
Written Testimonies
The Armenian Museum of America has an extensive library covering numerous topics dating back to ancient Armenia. Many of these are widely available to the public in shops and libraries around the world. However, our archival collection holds personal manuscripts that tell the story of an individual’s experience that can be found only here at the Museum. Click the image to watch as Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the importance of these unique writings and their role in preserving Armenian history.
Zildjian Cymbal
Do you ever look at the instruments played by your favorite band? Most drum sets include cymbals. Often Zildjian cymbals! The first Zildjian cymbals were created in 1618 by Avedis Zildjian, an Armenian alchemist. He made an alloy into a sheet of metal that could make musical sounds without shattering. The family business grew and the secret cymbal-making process was passed down through generations. In 1929, Avedis Zildjian III established a Zildjian cymbal foundry in Quincy, Massachusetts and moved to a state-of-the-art facility in Norwell in 1973. Listen to Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discuss the history, and don’t forget to share the video if you know someone that may be unaware of the storied past of these ubiquitous percussion instruments!
The Georgetown Boys
The Azgapetians went on a speaking tour across America to raise awareness and funds for Near East Relief in the aftermath of the Genocide. Around the same time the small town of Georgetown in Ottawa was also assisting a group of orphans in the Mediterranean by opening up a government-sponsored cultural school for about 50 boys. Watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the adventures of one of these boys, and the Museum’s connection to the school.
PLEASE NOTE: Mr. Lind-Sinanian mentions Ottawa, when he meant to say Ontario. Last week we talked about Near East Relief and the Azgapetian Family.
Marquis Poster
In 1915, there were very few ways to learn about world events other than by newspaper or by corresponding with someone via letter. With the rise of Vaudeville and circuses, however, lecturers were able to reach people across the United States on travelling speaking tours. During the Genocide there were many campaigns to gather support for the Armenians and especially the orphans, but perhaps the most prolific speakers on the matter were General Mesrop Nevton Azgapetian and his wife, Lady Anne. These two traveled on behalf of the Near East Relief Fund to gather financial and political support for victims of the Genocide. Click on the image to hear Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discuss the story of General Azgapetian and his work in America.
Siegel Rings
Last week we discussed the variety and uses of wooden molds and stamps, and this week we are following up with a more glamorous way to make impressions or markings. While jewelry is usually worn to enhance the beauty of the wearer or as a show of wealth, gems and jewels have had practical uses as well. Watch as Collection Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the use of siegel rings, their composition, and how they were produced.
Fabric Stamps
Molds are a fast and easy way to mass produce a shaped or patterned product. In Armenia, wooden molds are the mold material of choice and are used for religious, culinary, and textile purposes. There's even a connection to the English royal family! Join Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian as he discusses the types and purposes of wooden molds in Armenian culture.
Cradle Band
Child rearing customs are different all over the world and have changed over time. From diet and nutrition, to clothing, to how they sleep, the first months and years of a baby’s life can have life-long results. Armenian cradles, for example, have a distinctive look and function that literally have left a mark on generations of Armenians. Join Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian as he discusses the unique features of Armenian cradles and parenting, and the historical impact they have had on the development of Armenian children.
Daghdaghan
Over the past few weeks Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian has been sharing objects with which one might protect themselves from evil. Pretty useful information in this trying year. Continuing with this trend, this week we are featuring the Daghdaghan, a carved symbol for protection. These items are often found in the home, particularly the kitchen, but watch to learn about the more interesting places you might hang one and how to make sure you’re getting the real thing!
Ankle Bells
Children are rambunctious and difficult to keep track of, and we all know that silence can sometimes be worse than a ruckus! Today we have Baby Bjorns, harnesses, and cameras to help us keep track of our kids, but what would you do if these weren’t available? Join Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian as he discusses the ingenious (and beautiful) means by which Armenian parents monitored their children’s whereabouts.