“Légion Arménienne: The Armenian Legion and Its Heroism in the Middle East,” a traveling exhibit developed and prepared by the Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA), is now on display at the Great Hall of the Pasadena Central Library through January 17, 2010. The exhibit explores the formation, training, military action, and postwar activities of this all-volunteer force from World War I through photographs and narratives.
The exhibit’s appearance at the Central Library is generously sponsored by Ed Aghjayan, former Deputy City Manager of Pasadena, and Bill Paparian, former Mayor of Pasadena.
Visitors can see the exhibit Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm; and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. Pasadena Central Library is located at 285 East Walnut Street Pasadena, CA 91101.
ALMA commissioned this traveling exhibit in response to tremendous interest from the Armenian and Veteran communities. The exhibit tells the story of the brave and selfless young men who fought with the Allies to victory, and later risked all in defense of Armenian human rights.
“Légion Arménienne” was curated by Ardemis Matteosian in close collaboration with ALMA Board Members Arakel Almasian and Dr. Barbara Merguerian. It premiered at Northbridge Town Hall in Whitinsville, MA in September and then traveled to the California State University in Fresno before arriving at the Pasadena Central Library.
The traveling exhibit was made possible by a grant from K. George and Carolann S. Najarian, M.D. Foundation with additional support provided by The Armenian-American Veterans of Milford, Mass., Inc.
For scheduling information or to learn about the exhibit visit almainc.org
About ALAMA
Founded in 1971, ALMA’s mission is to present and preserve the culture, history, art and contributions of the Armenian people to Americans and Armenians alike. Since its inception, ALMA’s collection has grown to over 27,000 books and 20,000 artifacts, making it perhaps the largest and most diverse holding of Armenian cultural artifacts outside of Armenia. As a repository for heirlooms, the collection now represents a major resource not only for Armenian studies research, but as well as for preservation and illustration of the Armenian heritage. In 1988, ALMA acquired a 30,000 square foot facility in Watertown, MA – one of North America’s oldest and most active Armenian communities. The facility includes exhibit galleries, Library, administrative offices, function hall, climate-controlled vaults and conservation lab.
Armenian Museum of America (subdivision of ALMA) is the only independent Armenian Museum in the Diaspora funded solely through contributions of individual supporters. An active Board of Trustees and volunteer base augments the museum’s staff. The Museum and Gallery maintains an active schedule of changing exhibits. In addition, the Museum sponsors lecture and presentation program on Armenian-related topics. The Mesrop Boyajian Library (subdivision of ALMA) is used primarily by researchers and interested general public seeking research materials on Armenians.
