Special Programs in honor of Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day at the Historical Museum - Apr 27 & 28

April 27 & 28 Special Programs in honor of Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day (April 24), which marks the beginning of the organized killing of Armenians within the Ottoman empire in 1915. This event was responsible for many survivors fleeing to America, many of whom established a vibrant local community in Franklin, including Camp Haiastan, still located on Summer St.

Saturday, April 27 – During regular museum hours, we expect to share items from Franklin’s Armenian past as well as short films about the Armenian Genocide plus the Silent Saturday showing of Ravished Armenia.

Sunday April 28 - Franklin’s Mark Minichelli will discuss the history of the genocide and the local community and will share video of his grandmother, Helen Boghosian, a genocide survivor who lived most of her life in Franklin.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM-1PM and Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM-4:00PM. When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.   

Visit the Franklin Historical Museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com

Camp Haiastan announces volunteer work parties

"AYF Camp Haiastan, which is gearing up for another exciting season, has announced its volunteer work party days.

The camp needs as many volunteers as possible to help with a variety of tasks, from cleaning and organizing cabins and buildings, to raking and planting the gardens and painting and repairing equipment.

Work parties will be held on the following Saturdays: April 29th, May 13th and June 3rd. The day will start at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided. 

In addition to helping prepare the camp for the summer season, volunteering at Camp Haiastan is a great way to connect with the Armenian community and make new friends. Many volunteers return year after year, forming lasting bonds with fellow volunteers and campers alike."

Continue reading the article online ->  

https://armenianweekly.com/2023/04/24/ayf-camp-haiastan-announces-volunteer-work-parties/

For more about Camp Haiastan visit their page -> https://www.camphaiastan.org/

Camp Haiastan announces volunteer work parties

Armenian Weekly: "Camp Haiastan planning expansion for Under the Trees project"

"Since last spring, Camp Haiastan has been working on designing an expanded Under the Trees. Anyone who has attended Camp Haiastan knows this area as the place where the entire Camp gathers for daily announcements and the Lord’s Prayer before meals. This area is also the Camp’s primary vantage point of Uncas Pond, Hye Hope Pavilion, the basketball courts and the lower Camp entrance. 

Anyone sitting Under the Trees can see nearly everything that is happening at Camp Haiastan. It is also a place many campers use to just relax, gather in small groups, play board games, read or observe their natural surroundings. “The Camp has grown significantly since the original Under the Trees area was constructed, and the area needs expansion and renovation,” notes executive director Kenar Charchaflian.

With the help of Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture (KZLA) of Boston, a series of designs was developed and reviewed by the Camp’s Infrastructure Committee led by Board member Michael Bahtiarian. The Committee chose a design that fits the needs and character of Camp Haiastan and presented the selection at the 70th anniversary gala in July.  

The new design will double the size of the Under the Trees area. In addition, it will not only save and secure the existing trees, but also plan for the future by planting new ones. Much like the current Under the Trees, the stone patio will include a new Armenian eternity symbol. The area closer to the Summer Office will have rounded benches, while the section closer to the Rec Hall will be square and have two new platforms and multiple benches. 

KZLA has designed the new Under the Trees to seat as many as 150 campers and counselors. The area will be surrounded by new plants and vegetation as well as walking paths. Lighting will be added below benches to allow the space to be used at night. Other infrastructure improvements will be made as this project necessitates them, including rainwater drainage, irrigation and burying utilities."

Continue reading the article online ->  https://armenianweekly.com/2022/12/05/camp-haiastan-planning-expansion-for-under-the-trees-project/

 

Expanded Under the Trees 3D image by KZLA