Foundation Broadens Base, Secures Major Gifts to Construct Armenian Heritage Park

ARLINGTON, Mass.—On Nov. 10, representatives from the 37 parishes and organizations in the Boston area serving on the Armenian Heritage Foundation’s Board of Directors attended a meeting at the Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF) in Arlington.

The purpose of the meeting, the first in a series, was to kick off the Special Gifts initiative of the Campaign to Build and Endow Armenian Heritage Park on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway in Boston.

In his welcoming remarks, Haig Deranian, the foundation’s vice president, gave a brief overview of the project’s history and extended thanks to all those whose commitment and leadership were making a significant difference.

James Kalustian, the foundation’s president, explained that the foundation is depending on the generosity and support of lead and major gift donors. To date, $3.8 million has been raised towards the $5 million goal. Raising the additional $1.2 million required is now the key focus. Special Gifts Committee members have been asked to contribute or secure commitments of a minimum of $1,000 and above.

The Armenian Heritage Park, Kalustian said, commemorates the Armenian Genocide and the genocides that have since been committed. At the same time, it celebrates the immigrant experience consistent with one of the themes of the Greenway—to acknowledge the history of Boston as a port of entry for immigrants worldwide and to acknowledge those who contributed to the richness of American life. Construction of the Armenian Heritage Park on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is slated to be completed by fall 2010.

Kalustian also spoke of the importance of the North End and Rowes Wharf neighborhood associations, and their leadership and commitment to the realization of Armenian Heritage Park.

Charles Guleserian closed the brief program by asking each person to reach out to others to support and participate in this Special Gifts initiative, which paves the way for the Every Member campaign in early 2010. “My day is always made,” he remarked, “when contributions are received.”

In October, the foundation met with New England clergy to engage their support of the campaign. Their active involvement is making a difference.

The Armenian Heritage Park—a link between Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Christopher Columbus Park on four-tenths of an acre on parcel 13 on the Greenway—has received overwhelming support from neighboring community groups in Boston’s North End and Wharf District, as well as from many of Boston’s civic, community, and political leaders.

The park includes lawns, benches, fountains, shade trees, as well as two key features, a labyrinth and sculpture, both to engage and delight children and adults.

The labyrinth, a circular winding path in grass and inlaid stone with a single jet of water at its center, is symbolic of life’s journey and celebrates achievements in art, science, commerce, and service.

 The sculpture, a 12-sided abstract geometric sculpture—a split rhombic dodecahedron—rests on a 16-foot diameter reflecting pool. The waters of the reflecting pool wash over the sides—to commemorate the lives lost in genocide—and re-emerges as a single jet of water at the labyrinth’s center—representing hope and rebirth.

The sculpture will be reconfigured each year, with changing views. Also every year, an endowed lecture on human rights, in collaboration with the Bostonian Society, will be held at Faneuil Hall. Internationally recognized scholars and leaders will be invited to speak. The series is fully endowed by a philanthropic family.

Endowed funds are also being established to annually support the care and maintenance of the park in perpetuity, as well as the annual reconfiguration of the sculpture.

For more information, visit www.ArmenianHeritagePark.net. For sponsorship information and key naming opportunities, contact Jim Kalustian (781-777-2407, jkalu@comcast.net), Charles Guleserian (617-484-6100, mgmcos@msn.com) Haig Deranian (617 484-2215, dhkd@comcast.net), Walter Nahabedian (781-891-7249, wnaha@verizon.net), or Jack Kasarjian (617-232-6350).