Armenian Library in the US Museum

The Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) has its roots in the year 1971 when a dedicated group of Armenians began assembling a collection of Armenian books and artifacts at the Armenian Parish Church in Belmont, Massachusetts. This initial endeavor saw considerable growth, and by 1985, the expanded collection was unveiled to the public for the first time.

In 1988, ALMA moved to its current location—a four-story brick building situated in the heart of Watertown, Massachusetts. The museum’s collection at ALMA is the largest of its kind outside of Armenia. It features an impressive array of over 20,000 artifacts, including ancient and medieval Armenian coins, carpets, traditional costumes, and relics from the Urartian kingdom, among others.

The ALMA library, named in honor of Mesrop Boyajyan, boasts an extensive collection exceeding 27,000 titles. This includes a wide range of books, periodicals, posters, documents, and maps. One of the most poignant parts of the library is a collection of audio recordings that contain firsthand accounts from Armenians who survived the 1915 Genocide.

ALMA is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday, offering various types of membership cards to suit different needs, including student and family memberships. Whether you’re interested in historical artifacts, eager to delve into Armenian literature, or looking to understand the personal experiences that form part of the Armenian cultural memory, ALMA provides an invaluable resource for learning and exploration.