The Ararat-Eskijian Museum Research Center (AEMRC) and the Armenian Genocide Research Program (AGRP) at UCLA are embarking on an ambitious project to preserve and digitize the extensive archive of Professor Vahakn N. Dadrian, a seminal figure in Armenian Genocide studies. This initiative aims to make Dadrian's invaluable collection of documents, books, and unpublished manuscripts accessible to researchers and the public worldwide.
With a collection that spans over 110,000 pages, including materials in various languages from archives around the globe, the project faced a monumental task. By 2018, approximately 28,000 pages were digitized, a process significantly accelerated by a generous grant received in 2023. Housed at the University of Southern California's Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library, the collection has been accessible by appointment. Efforts are now focused on enhancing digital accessibility, spearheaded by Professor Taner Akçam and Dr. Anna Aleksanyan, a postgraduate student actively involved in the digitization process.
The project's goal extends beyond preservation; it aims to facilitate research and education on the Armenian Genocide. By making the collection searchable through keywords, researchers worldwide will gain unprecedented access to primary sources and analyses. The completion of the digitization project, anticipated by December 2025, promises to transform the field of genocide studies, offering new insights into the Armenian Genocide's origins, execution, and aftermath.
The Vahakn N. Dadrian Archive Project not only honors the legacy of a pioneering scholar but also ensures that future generations have the resources to study the Armenian Genocide in depth. The AGRP's upcoming webinar this spring will offer further details on the project, marking an important step in genocide education and research. The Ararat-Eskijian Museum, founded by genocide survivor Luther Eskijian, continues its mission as a cultural and educational center, with the Dadrian Archive Project serving as a testament to the enduring importance of documenting and understanding history.