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About Armenian Heritage Park


Just imagine *:“We are now standing at the edge of an extraordinary little park. Here at mid-day, walking the labyrinth at the park’s center has attracted both North End residents and visitors from Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Some are thoughtfully following its meandering path while a number of children are skipping around the path toward the water jet at its center. Some, shedding their flip-flops, are splashing about with squeals of delight. In contrast, many dressed for downtown’s business have settled on a bench with brown bag lunch, clearly enjoying the activity before them.”

* A reader's response to The Big Dig's Payoff - It's Easy to Imagine the Greenway in 10 years. By Thomas C. Palmer Jr. Boston Sunday Globe Magazine, May 24, 2007 

 


Armenian Heritage Park, a gift to the City of Boston and the Commonwealth from Massachusetts Armenian-Americans, is located between Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Christopher Columbus Park on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Boston.


Consistent with key themes of the Greenway, to acknowledge the history of Boston as a port of entry for immigrants worldwide worldwide, Armenian Heritage Park celebrates those who have migrated to the Massachusetts' shores, contributing to the richness of American life and culture.

 

Designed to engage children and adults, the Park consists of two key features surrounded by seating, brick paving and landscaping.


The Abstract Sculpture, a split dodecahedron, is mounted on a Reflecting Pool, represents the immigrant experience. Annually the two halves will be reconfigured symbolic of all who pulled away from their country of origin and came to these Massachusetts' shores, establishing themselves in new and different ways. The waters of the Reflecting Pool wash over its sides and re-emerge as a single jet of water at the center of the Labyrinth, representing hope and rebirth. The Sculpture and its Reflecting Pool are dedicated to lives lost during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 and all genocides that follow.  


The Labyrinth, a circular winding path paved in granite and set in lawn, celebrates life's journey. A single jet of water and the symbol of eternity mark its center. Art, Service, Science and Commerce are etched around its circle in tribute to accomplishments and contributions made to American life and culture.


Armenian Heritage Park with its endowment for ongoing care and maintenance, and public programs has been funded by the generous support of individuals and organizations. The Park and its endowed programs are a key initiative of the Armenian Heritage Foundation, comprised of representatives from thirty-seven Armenian-American churches and organizations within Massachusetts.


"We are delighted that the labyrinth is such an integral part. The ancient pattern of the labyrinth has crossed time, cultures and religions throughout history and has become a universal metaphor of peace, harmony, contemplation and healing. It is an imaginative and creative device for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to engage one another. The inclusion of the labyrinth invites all expressions of faith and culture, and ethnicity to walk the path of diverse community together. It quite literally circumscribes common ground for all to walk! The lessons are deep, but very obvious with every step we take: We are all on this path together. We may not walk at the same pace, and often we may feel like we are going in different directions, sometimes in step with each other, sometimes alone. But ultimately all of us are on the same path, and that path offers us all opportunities for reconciliation and wholeness and hope...".- Rev. Kathleen Musser and Tricia Kibbe, New England Labyrinth Guild 

 

Armenian Heritage Park has been constructed at no expense to the taxpayer, and will be cared for and maintained in perpetuity.