The Story of the Armenian Van Cat
By Rachel Melikian Cats are one of mankind’s best friends, and many cultures have stories about how cats came to be so revered. Armenian lore says that the Van cat came down to the Armenian Highland on Noah’s Ark. Grandma Armenia’s cat is beautiful. They are one of the most unique cats, with white fur, […]
Women’s History Month Started in Santa Rosa, California
How a grassroots group of Sonoma County educators launched National Women’s History Month By J.C. Thomas For more than 40 years, March has been recognized in the United States as Women’s History Month. Throughout March, schools, cultural institutions and communities nationwide recognize and honor the achievements of women in history. As recently as the 1970s, […]
See a Gutenberg Bible – the Printed Book that Changed the World – at The Huntington Library
Gutenberg Bible No. 36 was printed in Mainz, Germany, circa 1455 on Europe’s first moveable metal type printing press. Today it’s on public display at The Huntington in San Marino, California. By J.C. Thomas Historians estimate that on this day in 1455, Johannes Gutenberg printed his first Bible – the first book ever produced using […]
Here are 10 Virtual Exhibitions Celebrating Black History Month in 2021
Museums and cultural institutions play a vital role in Black History Month by connecting individuals and communities with educational, informative and celebratory programs. With most physical venues in California currently closed due to the pandemic, Black History Month exhibits for 2021 have gone virtual. Here are 10 remarkable virtual exhibits, tours, discussions and other presentations […]
RIP Kobe – A Tribute to a Legend
By Rachel Melikian Dedicated on the first anniversary of the death of Kobe Bryant, are my thoughts from 2020. “RIP KOBE” flash LA Metro buses’ destination signs, including the buses still parked at the depot, and then one after another, they resume their routes with the same message. This gives a remarkable impression of a […]
5 Crafty Hobbies to Try in 2021
It’s a brand-new year, but it’s hard to get excited about it when we’re still stuck at home for the foreseeable future. One way to inspire a feeling of novelty and switch up your old routine is to experiment with new crafty hobbies. Making things with your hands can be meditative and soothing, which makes […]
2020 Holiday Gift Guide, Part I: Museum Gift Stores
Museum stores are the best! They tend to feature interesting, original collections of beautiful, quirky, and cool items that make fantastic gifts. This year, most museums are closed to the public or are open only in limited capacities, but their gift stores are available for online shopping. With the holidays quickly approaching, we suggest you […]
The Four Unseen Pillars of Father’s Day
By Rachel Melikian Something can stand on three pillars, but a house needs four. In the home, the father represents all four pillars, without which the home would collapse. Fathers often work silently and without expectation of praise for their sacrifices. This is the work that sustains the pillars and goes unseen on the shoulders […]
The Mysterious Trunk and the Armenian Genocide
By Rachel Melikian A Canadian woman, Wendy Elliott, became a graphic designer because she liked building things, and solving puzzles and mysteries in her childhood. She later became a design instructor in colleges in Ontario out of her love for education; she also had a love for history. Elliott’s interest in history and puzzles took […]
Dyarenentarach: A True Valentine’s Day Tradition for New Couples
Flying over the bonfire is the Armenian Valentine’s Day tradition By Rachel Melikian February 14th is the celebration of love known as Valentine’s Day, when couples exchange popular gifts like roses and chocolates, go on dates and indulge in romance. This day is also very special for couples in the Armenian Church, when the Feast […]
Peace Through the Crevice of Hunot Gorge
By Rachel Melikian The Journey to “Gate to Heaven” Movies, politics, culture, and religion each have a different role in highlighting the marvel of nature, showing the potential for its destruction, and bringing us close to the gates of heaven to deliver a message of peace. “Growing up in a war zone, my aim is to preach […]
Charles Aznavour: A Century of Performance
One year after his death, the “last of the giants,” is still on stage By Rachel Melikian He was short, plain and not conventionally attractive, yet against the odds, he climbed to the global heights and was named “France’s Frank Sinatra” and global “Entertainer of the Century,” surpassing Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan in popularity. […]