18.06.2025


The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute’s scientific collections continue to be enriched with rare and valuable materials. On June 18, the Museum had the honor of welcoming Dr. Vahram Shemmassian, Professor of Armenian Studies at California State University, Northridge (USA), who has dedicated decades to academic research and the collection of historical documents. A descendant of survivors from Musa Dagh, Professor Shemmassian has gathered a remarkable personal archive of unique sources related to the Armenian Genocide.

During his visit, Professor Shemmassian donated a number of exceptional items from his private collection, primarily focusing on the heroic resistance of Musa Dagh, the history of its people, and their journey of displacement and survival. Among the items were: a fundraising receipt issued by the "Relief Commission’s Fresno Committee" for the benefit of villages in Antioch following the 1909 massacres, bearing the official seal of the Patriarchate of Constantinople; two travel permits issued in 1916 by the Egyptian government to members of the Philean family for their journey from Port Said to the United States.

The event also featured the presentation of a woven carpet made by Armenian orphan girls in the 1920s at the orphanage in Ghazir, Lebanon — a piece that Professor Shemmassian had previously donated to the Museum in December of the previous year.

In her remarks, AGMI Director Dr. Edita Gzoyan emphasized the significance of the donation, noting that Professor Shemmassian’s contributions will be ongoing. In recognition of his dedication, a separate collection bearing his name will be established within the Museum’s scientific archives.

Professor Shemmassian, in turn, highlighted the powerful historical value of personal and family-held documents. “Sometimes, materials preserved in family archives can tell us more about specific events than official records,” he noted, encouraging all those in possession of artifacts or documents related to the Armenian Genocide to consider donating them to the Museum. “This is how we safeguard our historical memory,” he added.