About

From historic churches and cultural centers to student groups, advocacy organizations, and entrepreneurs, our community’s reach and influence are as inspiring as they are wide-ranging.

Armenian Hub DC was created with one goal in mind: to bring everything Armenian in the DC area into one accessible, living space. Whether you’re looking for events, institutions, Armenian-owned businesses, or simply a taste of home, you’ll find it here.

This is a living project, continuously growing with your input. If you know of a new organization, business, or event we should feature, we’d love to hear from you.

Brief history of Armenian Community in the Washington, DC Region

Early Arrivals and Foundations (17th–19th Century)

The Armenian presence in the Washington, DC area traces its roots to the early 20th century, though the first Armenian to arrive in what would become the United States came much earlier. In 1618, Martin the Armenian settled in Jamestown, Virginia, introducing silkworm cultivation several hours from the future nation’s capital.

The modern Armenian community began forming in the late 19th century amid tragic circumstances. Many fled the Hamidian Massacres of the 1890s and the Armenian Genocide of 1915, seeking safety and opportunity in American cities. In the 1880s, Boghos Casparian of Boorhans (Sivas Province, Asia Minor) became one of the first Armenians to settle in Washington, operating a rug-cleaning business. Between 1880 and 1914, roughly 150 Armenians arrived in the city—some pursuing commerce, others attending universities. Many became American citizens, served in the Armed Forces, and established permanent roots. Notably, Movses Hekimian and his family founded the city’s first oriental rug store.

Although official records of these early migrants are scarce, private accounts provide glimpses into their lives. Memoirs by Malkhas, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), recount his arrival in Washington in 1903, his work in a store, and studies at the Corcoran Art Gallery, though his stay was brief due to the small size of the Armenian population at the time.

Community Organization and Early Institutions (1915–1920s)

Organized Armenian community activity in Washington remained limited until the news of deportations and the attempted annihilation of Armenians in 1915 stirred awareness. During this period, branches of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) were established in the city.

By the middle of World War I, additional Armenian immigrants—both from overseas and from other American cities—settled in Washington. Without a local parish or resident priest, many traveled to Philadelphia or New York to attend the Divine Liturgy, though visiting clergymen were later invited to serve the community’s sacramental needs.

In 1918, the Republic of Armenia established its first embassy in Washington, with Dr. Garegin Pastermadjian (Armen Garo) as its ambassador. Alongside Dr. Arshag Shemavonian, a former member of the American Embassy in Constantinople, Pastermadjian helped displaced Armenians settle in the United States. Though President Woodrow Wilson’s support for a League of Nations mandate over Armenia in 1920 ultimately did not materialize, these efforts strengthened the Armenian community in Washington. Organizations such as AGBU, ARF, the Armenian Relief Corps (ARC), and the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) thrived, providing relief both locally and abroad. The embassy closed in 1921.

By the late 1920s and early 1930s, small numbers of Armenian families continued to join earlier settlers, solidifying the foundations of the community.

Growth and Contributions (Post–World War II)

The Armenian community in Washington expanded steadily as the federal government grew in domestic and international prominence. After World War II, professionals, job seekers, and students arrived from across the United States, while new waves of immigrants came from Istanbul, Beirut, Aleppo, Cairo, Iran, and later, the Republic of Armenia after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Members of the Armenian community contributed significantly to the city’s architecture and infrastructure. Norair Engineering Company helped build the new Smithsonian Museum (14th & Constitution), Mihran Mesrobian, the award-winning architect, designed the Carlton Hotel and additions to the Sheraton-Park Hotel, and Jack Poladian partially funded and built the YMCA in Alexandria, VA.

Religious and Cultural Foundations

As the community grew—reaching approximately 250 families after World War II—it became less reliant on visiting clergy. Rooted in the Armenian Apostolic Christian tradition, the community established its own churches, including St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church and Soorp Khatch (Holy Cross) Armenian Apostolic Church. The first Badarak at St. Mary’s was celebrated on November 10, 1963, followed by Soorp Khatch on October 10, 1964.

Modern Armenian Washington

Today, the Armenian community in the Washington, DC area numbers well over 8,000 people, representing diverse backgrounds from nearly every continent. Community members work across professional, academic, and civic fields, contributing to the region’s vibrancy while preserving Armenian heritage and Christian faith.

The strength of the Washington Armenian community lies in its unity, cultural pride, and commitment to future generations. Leaders and volunteers continue to nurture the community, ensuring that Armenian traditions, language, and faith remain a living, dynamic part of life in the nation’s capital.