PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
September 9, 2005
DIOCESAN ZOHRAB INFORMATION CENTER TO HOLD NIGHT OF EXPLORATION
In the heart of New York City is a treasure trove of priceless
artifacts, precious manuscripts, and a wealth of literature steeped in
the culture and history of our ancient Armenian civilization. But this
valuable collection is easily accessible to transport visitors to their
Armenian roots.
At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2005, the New York Armenian
Students’ Association invites its members and guests to join an evening
of exploring the Zohrab Information Center of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
The center — located at the Diocesan Center (630 Second Ave. at 34th
St. in Manhattan) — is a vibrant and rare resource for researching and
studying all things Armenian. Attendees to the special evening will
hear from three researchers about their findings at the center, and will
then have an opportunity to join a guided tour, while asking questions.
The evening will also feature a wine and cheese reception.
This unique evening will benefit serious scholars and prospective
students of Armenology, as well as members of the general public who
relish a sense of discovery. Participants will learn about the center’s
holdings of more than 15,000 books and periodicals, rare 19th- and early
20th-century Armenian newspapers, a collection of early printed Armenian
books, several thousand rare books available on microfiche or microfilm,
and a collection of audio and video taped interviews with survivors of
the Armenian genocide.
Visitors will also meet with some of the center’s specialists in
Armenian history who are available to assist all users with their
inquiries. Aram Arkun, coordinator of the center and a specialist in
19th- and 20th-century Armenian history, will lead the tour of the
center and be available to answer any questions.
TESTIMONY OF EXPERTS
Speaking at the event will be historian Dr. Sylvie L. Merian, scholar
and playwright Ben Alexander, and Lerna Ekmekcioglu, a current doctoral
student at New York University. Each will speak about how their work
has directly benefited from the resources found in the center.
Dr. Merian, the reference librarian at New York City’s Pierpont Morgan
Library, received her doctoral degree from Columbia University, writing
her dissertation on medieval Armenian bookbinding. She has published
and lectured on Armenian codicology and manuscript illumination, and has
organized small exhibitions on Armenian manuscripts and printed books.
Ben Alexander recently completed a doctoral dissertation at the City
University of New York Graduate Center dealing with Armenian ethnic
identity and diasporan nationalism in America. He now teaches U.S.
history at St. Francis College and New York City College of Technology,
both in Brooklyn.
Lerna Ekmekcioglu, originally from Istanbul, is preparing her doctoral
thesis at New York University with an emphasis on comparative Armenian
and Turkish nationalism and feminism in Istanbul during the 1920s.
BRINGING IN YOUNG ARMENIANS
The evening’s activities are free and open to the public. Please RSVP
to [email protected]. Donations will be welcome and greatly
appreciated.
The September 22 event is being organized by the Armenian Students’
Association in an effort to get the next generation of Armenian scholars
and researchers oriented with the facility.
The ASA is a nationwide membership organization promoting Armenian
culture and education by providing Armenian communities with social,
academic, and educational events. All funds raised by the regional
branches contribute to the ASA’s scholarship fund for Armenian students
studying in the United States.
For more information about the New York Armenian Students’ Association,
please visit For details on the Zohrab
Center, contact Aram Arkun by e-mailing [email protected] or
calling (212) 686-0710, ext. 26.
— 9/9/05
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress