‘A 50-Year Retrospective into Journalism’: A Talk by Tom Vartabedian

WATERTOWN, Mass.—On Sun., Sept. 15, award-winning writer and photographer Tom Vartabedian will present a program titled “A 50-Year Retrospective into Journalism” at the Armenian Museum of America (ALMA) in Watertown. The event is co-sponsored by Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives, Inc., and begins at 7 p.m.

Vartabedian will talk about his career with the Haverhill Gazette and his work as a correspondent with the Armenian press since the early 1960’s. His column in the Armenian Weekly, entitled “Poor Tom’s Almanac,” is the oldest-running column in the Armenian Press. He is also a regular contributor to other publications, including the Armenian Mirror-Spectator, the Armenian Reporter, USA Armenian Life, and Asbarez. Vartabedian will reminisce about some of his favorite stories, both nostalgic and entertaining, and showcase an exhibit of his favorite photojournalism prints over the past five decades. A reception will follow.

Vartabedian was born, raised, and educated in Somerville, Mass., and studied journalism at Boston University. As a writer-photographer for the Haverhill Gazette, he garnered more than 50 awards from United Press International, Associated Press, and New England Press Association before retiring in 2006. He still writes his weekly Almanac column in the Gazette and the Armenian Weekly.

In 2002, Vartabedian received the Master Reporter Award from the New England Society of Newspaper Editors. He has also been given the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of America; the Armenian Prelacy’s Eagle Award for community service; American Cancer’s Sword of Hope Award; ASA Sarafian Award for good citizenship; four Massachusetts Golden Press Awards from the American Legion Auxiliary for stories in the best interests of youth; Eunice Shriver Foundation award for annual coverage of Massachusetts Special Olympics Games; and New England Photographer of the Year three times.

Vartabedian has taught Armenian School for 30 years at St. Gregory Church in North Andover, and continues to be a strong advocate for genocide education in public schools, where he gives frequent presentations dedicated to his mom Jennie, the last genocide survivor in Haverhill. He is on the Board of Directors of Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives, Inc.

Among his other interests are playing racquetball with his friends at the YMCA, sailing, and climbing mountains throughout New England. He lives in Haverhill with the former Nancy Yeghoian, his wife of 48 years, a retired schoolteacher. The couple enjoys the pleasure of three children and six grandchildren.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will follow the program.

The Armenian Library and Museum of America is located at 65 Main St. in Watertown MA, 02472. Parking is available in the municipal lot behind ALMA.