WASHINGTON, DC - The Armenian Assembly of America announces the appointment of Ross Vartian to oversee the development of the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial Project. As the Director of Planning, Vartian will coordinate the multi-faceted project from museum vision to site development and outreach.

Vartian served as the Assembly's Executive Director from 1979 to 2000. In that capacity, he oversaw the Assembly's work with Congress, the Administration, the media, think tanks and others in the public policy community on issues of concern to the Armenian-American community.

"This is an opportunity to create a world-class museum of which the Diaspora can be proud and serve as a fitting memorial to the victims and survivors of the first genocide of the 20th century," Vartian said.

"It is a monumental challenge, but the end result will serve as a permanent site that will convey the proud history of our people for the world to visit and experience. The Assembly and the Armenian National Institute accept this solemn responsibility on behalf of all Armenians," Board of Trustees Chair Hirair Hovnanian said. "A critical, ongoing priority is the involvement of Diasporan organizations, as well as Armenians with expertise in all phases of museum and memorial planning, presentation and programming."

"Ross's appointment underscores the importance to the community of the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial Project," Board of Directors Chair Van Krikorian said. "He brings to this assignment his considerable experience in managing the organization coupled with his extensive knowledge of the Armenian community. We are pleased to have someone of his caliber to guide a project unprecedented in the Diaspora."

The 34,000-square-foot property is located at the corner of 14th and G Streets, just two blocks from the White House, the National Press Club and top Washington hotels. Constructed in 1925, the five-story structure is listed as a landmark in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and in the National Register of Historic Places.

The intent is to make the site a compelling, state-of-the-art presentation venue on the history and achievements of Armenians, along with modern administrative spaces for the Assembly, Armenian National Institute (ANI) and Museum/Memorial staff.

A Museum and Memorial Planning and Development Committee has begun the task of supervising the complex process of planning the restoration of the historic property and the design and installation of the Genocide Museum and Memorial. The members of the Committee are Gerry Cafesjian, Anoush Mathevosian, Hirair Hovnanian, Robert A. Kaloosdian and Van Krikorian. An Advisory Committee, comprised of experts in museum planning, presentation and program phases, will be formed also.

The grand opening target date is April 24, 2004. The Committee will issue periodic progress reports as the planning and development process evolves.