Explore Refugee Photographs →

Photographs of Armenian refugees form one of the most poignant and historically significant portions of our collection, documenting the forced displacement of Armenians from their ancestral homeland beginning in 1915. These images capture the human face of one of the 20th century's first major refugee crises, showing families with their few possessions, overcrowded refugee camps, and the first tentative steps toward rebuilding lives in new countries. The photographs span from the immediate aftermath of the genocide through decades of resettlement, illustrating the long journey from survival to stability.

These refugee photographs serve as both historical documentation and testament to human resilience, showing how Armenian families maintained their dignity and hope despite unimaginable loss. The images chronicle the international humanitarian response to the Armenian refugee crisis and document the establishment of the first diaspora communities that would become permanent homes for survivors and their descendants.

Explore Photographs of Orphans →

The photographs of Armenian orphans represent some of the most heart-wrenching yet inspiring images in our collection, documenting the fate of thousands of children who lost their families during the genocide and its aftermath. These images show children in orphanages established by international relief organizations, particularly in the Middle East and Greece, where young survivors were cared for and educated by dedicated missionaries and aid workers. The photographs capture both the trauma of loss and the remarkable resilience of children who would grow up to become the foundation of new Armenian communities worldwide.

Many of these orphan photographs also document the success stories of children who, despite losing everything, went on to become prominent members of their adopted communities. These images serve as powerful reminders of the human cost of persecution while celebrating the strength of the human spirit and the importance of international humanitarian aid in preserving a generation of Armenian children who would carry their culture forward.

Explore Genocide-related Photographs →

Our genocide collection encompasses photographs that document the systematic persecution and extermination of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire beginning in 1915. These images include rare documentation of deportation marches, refugee camps, and the immediate aftermath of massacres, often taken at great personal risk by foreign diplomats, missionaries, and journalists who witnessed these events. The photographs serve as crucial historical evidence of the Armenian Genocide, providing visual testimony that complements survivor accounts and official documentation.

These images also document the international response to the genocide, showing relief efforts, diplomatic interventions, and the work of organizations like Near East Relief in providing aid to survivors. The collection includes photographs of memorial services and early commemoration efforts, illustrating how the memory of the genocide became central to Armenian identity in the diaspora and how survivors worked to ensure that the world would not forget their tragedy.

Explore Commemorate Photographs →

Commemoration photographs capture over a century of Armenian efforts to remember the victims of the genocide and preserve their memory for future generations. These images document the evolution of commemoration practices, from intimate memorial services in the early diaspora communities to large-scale public demonstrations and official recognition ceremonies. The photographs show how April 24th became a sacred date for Armenians worldwide, marked by solemn processions, church services, and gatherings that unite Armenian communities across geographical and political boundaries.

The collection also includes images of monument dedications, museum openings, and educational events that have helped bring Armenian history to broader public attention. These commemoration photographs illustrate how collective memory has been preserved and transmitted across generations, showing the central role that remembrance plays in maintaining Armenian identity and advocating for genocide recognition and justice.

Explore Photographs of notable Armenian figures →

Our collection of notable Armenian figures encompasses portraits and candid photographs of individuals who have made significant contributions to Armenian culture, politics, business, arts, and sciences both within Armenian communities and in the broader societies where they lived. These images range from formal studio portraits of early community leaders and clergy to candid shots of writers, artists, and activists who shaped Armenian intellectual life in the diaspora. The photographs document the remarkable achievements of Armenians who overcame the trauma of genocide and displacement to excel in their chosen fields.

The collection includes images of both widely recognized figures and locally important community leaders whose contributions may have been less publicized but were crucial to the development of Armenian diaspora life. These photographs serve not only as biographical documentation but also as inspiration, showing how individual Armenians have carried forward their cultural heritage while making lasting contributions to human knowledge, creativity, and social progress.

Explore Work Photographs →

Work photographs provide invaluable documentation of how Armenians rebuilt their economic lives after displacement, showcasing the diverse occupations and industries where Armenian immigrants found success. These images capture Armenians in foundries and factories, behind the counters of grocery stores and restaurants, in carpentry workshops crafting furniture, and in the fields during agricultural work. The photographs illustrate the strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit that characterized Armenian communities, showing families working together to establish businesses that often became cornerstones of their neighborhoods.

The collection also documents the evolution from manual labor to professional occupations as Armenian families achieved economic stability and could invest in education for their children. These work photographs tell the story of the American dream and immigrant success, while also preserving the memory of traditional Armenian crafts and trades that were transplanted to new countries and adapted to new economic conditions.

Explore Music Photographs of Unknown Armenians →

The photographs of unknown Armenians from before 1915 represent precious glimpses into a world that was largely destroyed by genocide, capturing the everyday life of Armenian communities in their ancestral homeland before the catastrophe that would scatter the nation across the globe. These images show families in traditional dress, merchants in their shops, students in schools, and communities gathered for religious and cultural celebrations in historic Armenia. Each photograph represents lives that were cut short or forever changed, making these anonymous faces particularly poignant symbols of loss.

These pre-1915 photographs are among our most treasured possessions because they document a way of life that existed for centuries but was violently interrupted. The images provide crucial visual evidence of Armenian culture, architecture, customs, and daily life in the Ottoman Empire, serving as a baseline for understanding what was lost and what diaspora communities have worked to preserve and reconstruct in their new homes.

Explore Dance Photographs →

Dance photographs capture the central role that traditional Armenian folk dances have played in preserving cultural identity and community cohesion throughout the diaspora. These images show dancers in traditional costumes performing at cultural festivals, church celebrations, and community gatherings, illustrating how dance has served as a living bridge connecting diaspora Armenians to their ancestral culture. The photographs document both the preservation of ancient dances like the kochari and bar, as well as the adaptation of these traditions to new settings and audiences.

The collection includes images spanning from intimate family celebrations to large-scale cultural performances, showing how dance has evolved from purely traditional expressions to staged performances that educate broader audiences about Armenian culture. These photographs demonstrate the vital role that cultural organizations and dance groups have played in maintaining Armenian traditions across generations, ensuring that this essential element of Armenian heritage continues to thrive in diaspora communities worldwide.

Explore Music Photographs →

Music photographs document the rich musical heritage of Armenian communities, from traditional folk music to classical compositions and contemporary adaptations. These images capture musicians playing traditional instruments like the oud, kanun, and duduk, as well as Armenian singers and composers who have contributed to both Armenian and international musical traditions. The photographs show how music has served as both a form of cultural preservation and a means of artistic expression that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries.

The collection includes images of church choirs, folk music ensembles, and individual musicians who have kept Armenian musical traditions alive while also innovating and adapting to new musical styles and technologies. These photographs illustrate music's unique power to evoke emotional connections to Armenian heritage, serving as a universal language that has helped maintain cultural bonds across the global Armenian diaspora and introduce Armenian culture to wider audiences.