Armenia: Memories From My Home

Margaret C. Tellalian Kyrkostas
Director/Curator
The Anthropology Museum of the People of New York

Sherman Gallery, Ellis Island
September 6, 1997 - February 28, 1998
Exhibit Catalog

Front Cover

A compelling and definitive book on the Ellis Island Armenian exhibit and censorship controversy. Featuring a pictorial guide of Armenians throughout history, the contributions of Armenians to America and unpublished photographs of the first genocide of the 20th Century

The 1915 Armenian Genocide

" ....The photographs and text are extraordinary. You should be
congratulated for your efforts in putting together such an inspirational and enlightening history of Armenia"

Robert M. Morgenthau, District Attorney.
County of New York, April 5, 1999

REOPENING OF Armenia: Memories From My Home ANNOUNCED:
The Anthropology and Armenian Museums Open at Queens College, Queen, New York. Opening April 16, 2005

On Saturday April 16, at 4 PM , The Anthropology Museum of the People of New York and The Armenian Cultural Educational Resource Center Gallery, will have it's ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration of the official opening of their first major exhibition "The Human Face of Anthropology" and "Armenia: Memories From My Home." Many llegislators from Queens have been invited to the gala opening, which will take place at Kissena Hall.

The seeds of the Museum Without Walls were planted 26 years ago by anthropologists Margaret Mead and, Margaret C. Tellalian-Kyrkostas, the present executive director. The mission of the Museum is to promote understanding of ethnic differences and to celebrate cultural diversity.

The Anthropology Gallery includes a section on "The Voyage of Human Origins". The illustrations display the views on how humans emerged, by referring to the book of Genesis and include myths from China, India, Egypt and Greece. There are in all, 15 views.represented. Other panels include scientific views of the first human. the panel with dolls from alll over the world is particularly pleasing to children.

The highlight of the Museum is the gallery featuring the exhibit, "Armenia: Memories From My Home", which was featured at Ellis Island from 1997-98 in the Sherman Gallery. It should be noted that the National Park Service censored the the exhibit on the day of the opening because of the use of the words "Genocide"and "Massacres" and related photos on the "1915 Armenian Genocide" panel. Speaker of the New York City Council, at the time, Peter Vallone, interceded and asked that the exhibit be opened without the headings until the issue could be resolved. The controversy was followed for three weeks by the media and other government officials all over the country. The headings and photos were re-instated, after negotiations with the National Park Service Administrators and a delegation of Armenian-American community leaders reached a compromise.

The Armenian Gallery also covers the history, languange, art, music and immigration experience of of the Armenians, truly an enduring culture. At the center of the Gallery sits a female Armenian skull, circa 3100 B.C.E. from Lake Sevan, Armenia.

At the present, the Museum will be open to the public by appointment only. Please contact Marge Kyrkostas at 718-428-5650 to visit the Museum. The public, as well as schools are welcome. Admission is free.

Post Diluvian Armenia

Armenia is indicated in the above Post-Diluvian map by the circled area. According to legend, Noah's Ark landed on Mt. Arrant in 2348 BCE. At the height of its power, during the period 150-75 BCE, Tigran II extended the borders of Armenia between the Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas (Map design: Athanasii Kircheri, S.J. Society of Jesus).

About the Author and the Anthropology Museum of the People of New York

Armenian Links and Resources

Back Cover

Catalog Publisher
J.C. & A.L. Fawcett
38-01 23 Avenue, Astoria 11105
718-204-1010

"The World Events Comparative Timeline" Poster Order Information

As part of the "Armenia: Memories From My Home" exhibit, a 6.5'x12' "World Events Comparative Timeline" was on display, covering the period from 9000 BCE to the present. This Timeline is now available in poster form, consisting of two parts, each approximately 27"x17" (part 1: 9000 BCE to 001 BCE. and part 2: 001CE to 2000 CE). The Timeline set including shipping and handling is $24 and can be ordered by mailing a check to:

The anthropology Museum of the People of New York
PH 234 Queens College, CUNY
Flushing, NY 11367
718-997-5510
718-423-5650.

Please include name, address and telephone number or call 718-428-5650 to place volume orders (10 or more).

Copies of the catalogue, "Armenia: Memories From My Home" are also available for $25.00.

Armenia: Memories From My Home

Table of Contents

"The World Events Comparative Timeline" Poster Order Information