United States launches $166,000 project to preserve Armenian-American artist’s legacy and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary

In celebration of Freedom 250, U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer Griffin Rozell and Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Alfred Kocharyan joined the launch of a $166,000 U.S.-funded project to renovate and preserve the Khoren Der-Harootian Memorial Museum in Vagharshapat, the U.S. Embassy in Armenia said in a press release.  

Supported through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), the project will help safeguard the artistic legacy of Armenian-American modernist artist Khoren Der-Harootian and improve public access to his works. 

The project will support renovation of the museum building, restoration of its two exhibition floors, and improvements to the preservation and display conditions of its collection.  These efforts will help ensure the long-term protection of the museum’s 261 artworks and provide an improved environment for visitors to experience the artist’s work. 

In recognition of Freedom 250 and America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s AFCP projects focus on cultural heritage sites with a direct connection to the United States.  The Khoren Der-Harootian Memorial Museum reflects this focus, highlighting the contributions of an Armenian-American artist and the cultural ties between the United States and Armenia. 

The new initiative builds on more than two decades of U.S. support for Armenia’s cultural heritage.  Since 2005, the United States has allocated approximately $1.84 million to 16 cultural preservation projects in Armenia through AFCP, helping protect historic monuments, archaeological sites, works of art, and cultural traditions. 

Previous U.S.-supported projects include: 

St. Hovhannes Church in Meghri:  Preservation of the medieval church and restoration of its historic frescoes. 

Yereruyk Basilica:  Conservation of the fifth-century basilica in Shirak Province and preservation of its historical setting. 

Dashtadem Fortress:  Preservation and stabilization of medieval fortifications and structures within the complex. 

Sanahin Monastery Complex:  Conservation of historic churches, memorials, and other monuments in the eastern section of the medieval complex. 

Areni Cave:  Preservation of the archaeological site and its ancient cultural layers, along with improvements to protect the site. 

Historic Murals in Gyumri:  Preservation of works by Armenian artists Rafayel Atoyan and Hakob Hakobyan. 

Established by the U.S. Department of State in 2001, the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation supports the preservation of significant cultural heritage around the world.  In Armenia, the program reflects the longstanding partnership between the United States and Armenia and their shared commitment to protecting the country’s cultural treasures.