Our History - Armenian Historical Association of Rhode Island

HomeOur History

Our History

History of AHARI

The Armenian Historical Association of Rhode Island (AHARI) is dedicated to those Armenian immigrants and refugees who settled in Rhode Island and contributed directly to their new state and country. We see this as a way to express our gratitude to our ancestors. Our aim is to establish a vital avenue of information for our descendants and fellow Rhode Islanders about the heritage of the Armenians.

AHARI was organized in 1997 to participate in the Heritage Harbor Museum and Library. The concept of Heritage Harbor was to focus on how the various ethnic and racial groups came to Rhode Island, lived, worked and contributed to Rhode Island history. Although the Heritage Harbor Museum did not materialize, the AHARI organization continues to pursue its dream of telling the story of Armenian immigrants, past and present, and their contribution to Rhode Island history.

AHARI is a consortium of approximately 30 cultural, political and religious groups that have representation as board members of the Association plus 12 non-affiliated elected individuals. AHARI is a non-profit, non-sectarian, non-political corporation organized exclusively for educational purposes within the meaning of section 501 © 3 of the IRS Code. Thus, making it a tax exempt corporation under Rhode Island and federal law and tax deductible for contributions.

AHARI opened its doors – for the first time – on May 13, 2017 with an eclectic exhibition showing our Armenian past through the donations and collections of many Rhode Islanders. Our current exhibit Rhode Island Armenians: Rediscovering the Past and Looking to the Future was designed and curated in collaboration with Dr. Hayk Demoyan, PhD and his wife Lucine Matevosian, graphic designer.

The museum is located in the Bliss Building on Providence’s East Side – at 245 Waterman Street, Suite 204. On-site parking is usually available evenings and weekends.

Chronology of Rhode Island Armenians

Accordion Widget

2000

First Armenian elected as mayor of a Rhode Island city.

Accordion Widget

1999

Armenian flag flies over the Rhode Island Statehouse.

Accordion Widget

1992

Independent State of Armenia established.

Accordion Widget

1977

Martyrs’ Memorial Monument constructed at North Burial Grounds.

Accordion Widget

1960

First visit of Supreme Patriarch of the Armenian Church to Rhode Island.

Accordion Widget

1940

Sts. Vartanantz Church purchased from Episcopalians.

Accordion Widget

1936

Rhode Island Armenians participate in 300-year Providence anniversary.

Accordion Widget

1933

Armenian Apostolic Church splits.

Accordion Widget

1918

First Republic of Armenia established.

Accordion Widget

1917

A hundred and five Rhode Island volunteers join Legion de Orient to fight Turks.

Accordion Widget

1915

Beginning of the Armenian Genocide.

Accordion Widget

1913

Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church purchased from Baptists.

Accordion Widget

1906

Largest Armenian political rally is held in Providence.

Accordion Widget

1891

First Armenian graduates from Brown University.

Accordion Widget

1891

Antecedent of the Euphrates Evangelical Armenian Church organized.

Accordion Widget

1889

First Armenian religious ceremony performed in Providence.

Accordion Widget

1882

First established business in Rhode Island.

Accordion Widget

1877

Founder of the Armenian Community arrives in Providence.

Accordion Widget

1657

Colonial Newport hints of Armenian names.

(Source: Mitchnapert: The Citadel – A History of the Armenians of Rhode Island by Varoujan Karentz, iUniversity, Inc. New York 2004)