Community
Posted: 09/18/2026
The Ararat-Eskijian Museum and Research Center celebrated the 30th anniversary of its founding on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with a special commemorative program held at the Ararat Home Heritage Courtyard in Mission Hills.
Jerry Papazian, Esq., Director of the Armenian Film Foundation, served as master of ceremonies. Opening remarks were delivered by Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ararat Home of Los Angeles, and Martin Eskijian, Chairman of the Board of the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and Research Center.
Diocesan Primate H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian offered congratulations on the milestone anniversary, commending the Museum and Research Center for three decades of dedicated service to the preservation and advancement of Armenian history and cultural heritage.
“We wholeheartedly congratulate the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and Research Center on the 30th anniversary of its founding,” the Primate said, praying that God would bless its continued endeavors “in the service of preserving Armenian culture, history, and national identity.”
Archbishop Derderian highlighted the vision, dedication, and tireless efforts that have established the Museum as an important center for Armenian history, cultural heritage, and scholarly research. He noted its contributions through the preservation of cultural treasures, study of historical documents, scholarly publications, educational programs, and exhibitions, emphasizing its invaluable service to both the Armenian community and the broader scholarly world.
Maggie Mangassarian Goschin, Curator and Director of the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and Research Center, was presented the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, accompanied by the St. Sahag-St. Mesrob Medal of Honor. The distinction recognized her devoted service, vision, dedication, and tireless efforts throughout the history of the Museum.
Special recognitions were also presented to Derik Ghookasian, Chief Executive Officer of Ararat Home of Los Angeles, and Dr. Sedda Antekelian, Deputy Director of the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and Research Center, in acknowledgment of their contributions to the Museum and its mission.
The 30th anniversary celebration underscored the enduring importance of the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and Research Center as a repository of Armenian history and heritage and as a center for education, research, and cultural preservation for generations to come.
