Armenian Heritage Park Programs Take Center Stage

Armenian Heritage Park on Boston’s Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, so perfectly situated between Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Christopher Columbus Park on the Boston Harbor and the North End, is being enjoyed by all ages. This extraordinary gift from Armenian-Americans to the City of Boston and the Commonwealth is so well received. During the coming weeks a series of programs are taking place there.

Armenian Heritage Park (Photo: Peter Vanderwarker)

On Sept. 18 from 2-4 p.m., the third annual Afternoon at the Park for Families & Friends is taking place. An initiative of the Friends of Armenian Heritage Park, festivities include the Leon Janikian Ensemble with Leon Janikian, clarinet; Bob Raphalian, oud; Joe Sarkisian, dumbeg and vocals; David Ansbigian, guitar and vocals; dance instruction with Apo Ashjian, Director and Founder, Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston; the “Find Someone” game for kids who may team up with an adult to play for a chance to win six tickets for a Boston Duck Tour; and Boston’s iconic Boston ice cream treat, Hoodsies.

On Sept. 26, HUBweek is showcasing Walking the Labyrinth: Reducing and Managing Stress 5 p.m. at the park. Advanced Reservations are required. RSVP at HUBweek.org. A reception will follow at Hollister Staffing, 75 State Street. HUBweek is a civic collaboration between The Boston Globe, MIT, MGH and Harvard “in celebration of big ideas and bold solutions.” The Walk, an initiative of the Friends of the Park, is offered in collaboration with Kip Hollister, President and CEO, Hollister Staffing, and Hollister Institute, as well as HUBWeek.

On Oct. 6, the second annual Welcome Reception for New Citizens, their Families and Friends at the Park following the Naturalization Ceremony at Faneuil Hall. Proudly sponsored by Eastern Bank and a featured program of ArtWeek Boston, the welcome reception features the 12-piece Dan Teager’s Black Sea Salsa Band, salsa instruction with Dance Caliente, vicki lee’s desserts, and much, much more. The reception speaks directly to central themes of the Park and the Greenway to acknowledge the history of Boston as a port of entry for immigrants worldwide and celebrates those who contribute to the richness of American life and culture.

This reception, a program of the Friends of the Park, is offered in collaboration with the United States District Court, City of Boston Office of Health & Human Services and Office of Immigrant Advancement; Office of Middlesex County Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy.

Year round, Public Art tours include the Park and its Abstract Sculpture and Labyrinth.

Harry Belafonte, activist and entertainer, will speak on Justice & Equality: Inspiring Activism during the seventh annual Najarian Endowed Lecture on Human Rights at Faneuil Hall on Nov. 3 at 7:30 0.pm. Roger H. Brown, President, Berklee College of Music will introduce Mr. Belafonte. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. As with all programs, the lecture is free and open to the public. A reception follows at The Bostonian Hotel.

The intent of the Najarian Lecture on Human Rights at Faneuil Hall is to advance understanding of human rights issues and the societal abuses worldwide, and to increase awareness of the work of individuals and organizations so that we are all more actively involved. Endowed by K. George and Dr. Carolann S. Najarian in honor of Dr. Najarian’s father “as he taught so many about the need to pay attention, spot injustice and speak out wherever and whenever it occurs.” The setting is in tribute to the New England women and men—intellectuals, politicians, diplomats, religious leaders and ordinary citizens—who, beginning in the 1890’s at Faneuil Hall, heard the eyewitness accounts of the atrocities taking place against the Armenian minority of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War and spoke passionately about the urgent need for intervention. Philanthropists nationwide raised over $100 million in aid. This was America’s first international human rights movement.

All these events are free and open to the public.

On Nov. 15, all supporters to the Campaign for Armenian Heritage Park are invited to the Thank You Reception. The Campaign for Armenian Heritage Park is now nearing the end of its final phase, raising funds to build the Park’s Endowed Fund for Care so that the Park is impeccably cared for and maintained year round in perpetuity. Contributions may be made securely on-line at ArmenianHeritagePark.org or by check, made payable to the Armenian Heritage Foundation, mailed to the Foundation, 25 Flanders Road, Belmont, Mass. 02478. All contributions received by Sept. 22 will be acknowledged in the Park’s Commemorative Book. Supporters will be acknowledged in the category of giving that combines all their contributions. A few naming opportunities at the Park remain for gifts of $50,000 and above. For further information, please call Jim Kalustian 781.643.7758; Charlie Guleserian, 617.484.6100; Haig Deranian 617.489.9465; Walter Nahabedian 781.891.7249; Astor Guzelian 781.326.5764; George Elanjian 781.888.2227; or Barbara Tellalian 617.803.8785.

To receive updates and invitations, please email info@ArmeniaHeritagPark.org. For photos and information, visit armenianheritagepark.org