Armenian Genocide Museum of America

Armenian Genocide Museum of America (AGMA) is a proposed Armenian museum in Washington, D.C., United States run by the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial Inc. (AGM&M). The project was launched in 2000 and is yet to be finalised.

The idea to dedicate a building for commemorating the Armenian Genocide was launched by Hirair Hovnanian and Anoush Mathevosian. The principal donations have come from Armenian-American philanthropist Gerard Cafesjian and the Cafesjian Family Foundation, as well as Anoush Mathevosian and Hirair Hovnanian.

The project was run by the Armenian Assembly of America from 2000 to 2003. In November 2003, the project was transferred to the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial Inc., with the Armenian Assembly of America given a trusteeship position. Mr. Cafesjian donated four additional properties reportedly at a cost of $12.5 million.

The Armenian Genocide Museum will be located in the former National Bank of Washington building (corner of 14th and G Streets, NW, Washington, DC). The official website of the museum sets the opening date as 2011. [ [http://www.armeniangenocidemuseum.org/ Official website about the projected openning of the museum] ]

The project however has been marred by disagreements and a litigation between Mr. Cafesjian and the Cafesjian Family Foundation on the one side, and the other trustees on the other side.

The main contributions as at Sept 2006 [ [http://www.reporter.am/pdfs/AE100408.pdf Armenian Reporter about the donaters to the project] ] are:
*Gerard Cafesjian and the Cafesjian Family Foundation (CFF) - 14.4 million in funds and properties.
*Anoush Mathevosian - $3.5 million
*Hirair Hovnanian - $1.5 million

References

External links

* [http://www.armeniangenocidemuseum.org Official site]
* [http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1207649994342&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull Jerusalem Post: New Armenian Genocide museum, Marilyn Henry, Apr 12, 2008]