Most knowledgeable Americans have heard of Persian, Indian or Chinese rugs. But how many have heard of Armenian rugs? Even those individuals wealthy enough to buy "oriental" rugs from Armenian merchants seem to be unaware that Armenians have also woven their own distinctive carpets.

Similarly, while many Americans have heard about Armenian businessmen (or have read about Armenians demonstrating in the Soviet Union), few know very much about this small but prosperous American ethnic group.

The Balch Institute, in its continuing effort to educate the American public about its cultural diversity, is pleased to present an exhibit on Armenian Americans and their rugs. We hope that our exhibit and catalog will open yet another door to the horizon of our multicultural society.

M. Mark Stolarik
President

The museum has been fortunate to have had the help of many individuals, organizations and institutions in developing the exhibition. Our co-sponsor, The Armenian Rugs Society and several of its members, have been actively involved in planning, funding and preparing the exhibition: George O'Bannon located, selected, and wrote the documentation for the rugs, while Aram Jerrehian and James M. Keshishian provided assistance in planning, fundraising, and research. We are also grateful to the William Penn Foundation, the Oriental Rug Retailers of America, the Tianjin-Philadelphia Carpet Company, the Keshishian Family Memorial Trust, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur T. Gregorian, and the Jerrehian Foundation for their generous support of the exhibition and catalog. The Institute for Museum Services (a federal agency which provides general operating support to the nation's museums), the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the City of Philadelphia and numerous private donors have also assisted in making the exhibition possible.

Museum Designer Steven Tucker created a striking installation effectively combining the rugs with photographs and assorted Armenian-American artifacts.

We also wish to acknowledge the contributors to the catalog. As editorial consultant, Paula Benkart added clarity to the text, as well as historical and geographical context. Joan Guerin created an exciting visual format for both the catalog and the exhibition announcement. The rugs featured in the catalog were photographed by Will Brown with written descriptions by George O'Bannon.

Dr. Thomas Naff, Director of the Middle East Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, provided invaluable consultation on the history of Turkish/Armenian relations both for the catalog and the interpretive labels in the exhibition.

We extend special thanks to Lemyel Amirian for translating the Armenian inscriptions on the rugs in the exhibition.

We are very grateful to the numerous lenders to the exhibition including James M. Keshishian, Arthur T. Gregorian, Aram Jerrehian, Jr., Zarug Mardikian, John Kazanjian, Jack C. Goushian, M. George Mooradian, Dr. H. Martin Deranian, Hagop Barin, Peter Scholten, Georges Yeremian, Edward Enfiejian, Vahey and Louise Kupelian, Araxie Samelian, Craig Wallen, Robert Najjar, Ara Der Marderosian, Ron Der Marderosian, Kenneth Martin, Frank Nahikian, Jr., Dr. Charles N. Mahjoubian, Araxi Keoseyan, Museum for Textiles (Toronto, Canada), Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA), National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), American Museum of Immigration, Kimbell Art Museum, and Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.

Those artifacts in the show from the Institute's own collections were given by the following donors: Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Eouksouzian, and St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church.

M. Mark Stolarik provided guidance throughout the development of the exhibition and catalog. Museum volunteer Ruth Leppel also offered valuable assistance. The Balch Library staff, particularly Patricia Proscino Lusk, helped to secure reference material. Rosalie Robinson of the Museum staff, and Gregory Zeitlin provided substantial technical support.

We are also grateful to many others who provided contacts, advice and other assistance including Sister Louisa and Dorothy Soukiasian (Armenian Sisters Academy), John Hoplamazian, Joseph Hoplamazian, Albert Bagian, Manoog Young and Barbara Mergurian (National Association of Armenian Studies and Research), Gary and Susan LindSinanian (Armenian Library and Museum of America), Marci Cohen (American Museum of Immigration), Harry Andonian, Joyce Gregorian Hampshire, Robert Tashjian, and Loretta Boxdorfer Gulaian.

Gail F. Stern
Museum Director

Pamela B. Nelson
Exhibition Curator