The Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) was founded in 1971 as a "living memorial to the Armenian heritage". ALMA is located at 65 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts, USA.

The main exhibit gallery in Bedoukian Hall focuses on the art and achievement of the Armenian people. ALMA's museum holdings, now totaling approximately 6,000 objects, comprise a diverse collection of textiles, rugs, ceramics, religious art, coins, metalware, stamps, Uration architecture models, costumes, geological and botanical specimens, utensils and other artifacts.

ALMA's textile collection is one of the most extensive in the Diaspora, and includes needlace, regional embroideries, folk costumes, printed textiles, tapestries and religious vestments.

The Mesrob Boyajian Library consists of over 11,000 titles in English and Armenian. This valued collection contains periodicals, posters,
 
incunabula, maps, calendars, sheet music, pamphlets, audiovisual material, photographs, early sound recordings, documents and manuscripts.

A vital part of the Armenian community, ALMA is truly a living library and museum, and a valuable resource to the community at large. Above all, ALMA is trying to fulfill its role as a surrogate grandparent, a guardian who can honor, protect and pass on the traditional values of Armenian culture to future generations, so that all our children, both Armenian and non-Armenian, may be inspired by the history and culture of Armenia.
  IN THE CENTRE OF THE SQUARE

The Museum and Library occupies the perfect location in the heart of the historic Armenian community of New England. Located on Route 20 in Watertown Square, minutes for the Massachusetts turnpike, Route 128 and Route 16, the building is convenient to Boston and its surrounding suburbs. It is also within walking distance of public transportation (including an express bus to downtown), restaurants, banks, shopping, a post office and picturesque Charles River park.


AN AMBIENCE FOR SUCCESS

From its thoughtful design to its exceptional location, from its natural lighting to its array of amenities, the building provides an ideal setting for the Armenian Library and Museum of America.		  
 

 


BAPTISMAL DOVE- 19th Century Silver Chrysmatorium
The dove, symbolic of the holy spirit, was a favored vessel of muron, the Armenian holy oil. The body of this dove is a flask which is filled through the neck and poured through the beak.

Muron is unique to the Armenian church. A blend of 40 herbs and oils, it is mixed and blessed eavery seven years by the Catholicos and distributed to Armenian churches throughout the world.

From the Bedoukian collection of ALMA.
Gift of Paul and Vicki Bedoukian of Wilton, CT.
 


RELIGIOUS BOOK COVER
Eighteenth century memorial cover, probably used for a Bible. The cover depicts two of the Evangelists holding their Gospel Books. The design was mass produced in large quantities with individual inscriptions added at a later date at the bottom of each cover. It is not clear as to whom this particular piece is dedicated.

Objects inscribed with memorial dedications for individuals and families are common in Armenian culture, and are expressed in many forms such as altar pieces, khatchkars, manuscripts, rugs, meedlework, ceramics, sculptures and public buildings.

From the Bedoukian collection of ALMA.
Gift of Paul and Vicki Bedoukian of Wilton, CT.

  
Armenian Library and Museum of America
65 Main Street, Watertown
Massachusetts, USA