ABOUT US
Design
Simon Koumjian III - Architect
Construction
Roy Binnion – Statue Restoration
Hagop Keshishian – Engineering
Karlen Ghazaryan – Stone
Albert Kzelian – Stone
Identity Design
Matthew & Vivian Bouloutian
Fundraising
Jake Der Hagopian
Michael Manoogian
Silva Santerian
Thomas Torcomian
Linda Vosbikian
Bob Zakian
Media
Karen Bogosian
Melissa Selverian
Legal
Ralph Arpajian Esq.
Rob Cannuscio Esq.
Antranig Garibian Esq.
Hadji Maloumian Esq.
Social Media
Derik Boghosian
Content
Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian
Vick Bazarbashian – Research
Raffi Berberian – Research
Paul Sookiasian – Research
Art Consultants
Charles Garoian
Peter Paone
Armen Yepoyan
Groundbreaking Committee
Arpy Minasian – Chairperson
Aram Frounjian
Aram Hovagimian
Vahe Minasian
Sarah Selverian
Lena Ohanessian Streeter
We are the Armenian Heritage Foundation of Philadelphia, a diverse community of Armenian Americans committed to preserving our rich heritage. United by a shared passion for our culture, we honor the legacy of our ancestors through the Armenian Heritage Walk, which highlights the Young Meher statue at its heart.
Our mission is to enhance the statue’s significance with the new walk, maintain the surrounding grounds, and educate the public about Armenian history and heritage.
MISSION STATMENT
We Americans of Armenian descent express our gratitude to the United States of America for the sanctuary, freedom, and opportunities this great country has afforded us all. Building on the legacy of our predecessors, we will revive the Young Meher Statue within an Armenian Heritage Walk that honors our rich history, promotes our vibrant culture, embodies our experience in America, commemorates the Armenian Genocide, and reaffirms our relationship with God.
OUR BOARD
Our board is made up of eight foundation members and a group of volunteers dedicated to seeing the vision of the Armenian Heritage Walk realized.
Steven Barsamian Esq.
Advisor
Karolyn Chebookjian
Advisor - Fundraising
Harry S. Cherken, Jr. Esq.
Advisor
David Hoplamazian
Advisor - Contractor
Ned Moore
Advisor - Landscape Designer
Michael Santerian
Advisor
PROJECT VOLUNTEERS
Kurk Selverian
Advisor
Nanette Zakian
Advisor
2025
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Groundbreaking of the first phase of the project.
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More to come.
2024
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An engineering firm was chosen, engaged, and began developing the final site drawings.
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Fundraising and marketing subcommittees were formed.
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Selection of materials, sizes, colors, and textures for the stonework was narrowed.
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Initial discussion on legal agreements with the city commenced.
2023
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The Armenian Heritage Foundation of Philadelphia, a new domestic nonprofit organization, was established as a 501(c)(3) corporation to effectively install and maintain the Walk while educating the public about Armenian heritage.
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Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Pennsylvania Horticultural Society all signed a joint letter to support and endorse the conceptual plans for the Armenian Heritage Walk.
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Shortly after, the public art director for the Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Philadelphia endorsed the project.
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In July, the Armenian Heritage Walk received unanimous concept approval from the Philadelphia Art Commission, the single authority that approves construction projects on city property.
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Early supporters generously made donations, enabling the establishment of engineering resources.
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A generous pledge to fund the endowment was also received, with the anticipation that the foundation would raise funds to build the Walk.
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In December, the Armenian Heritage Walk was officially launched with a presentation to the Armenian community at an intercommunal gathering at St. Gregory Church Founder's Hall.
2022
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Recognizing the historical significance of the American Elm tree in the United States, the tree was thoughtfully integrated into the design.
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The committee began to prioritize maintaining access to the site at the highest possible standard continuously.
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The budget estimate and plan to fund the project, as well as the endowment, were established.
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By November, the final version of the design was presented, and the three primary stakeholders agreed to endorse the project.
2021
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The site name was established as "Armenian Heritage Walk."
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Legacy site details were carefully considered, including the existing 80-foot American Elm tree adjacent to the statue.
2020
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The project's initial scope was reviewed and expanded.
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The architect, landscape designer, and contractor began working on various concepts.
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Engagement with private stakeholders and key Philadelphia departments, including Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR), the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA), and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS).
2019
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The Philadelphia Chapter of the Knights of Vartan and members of the Philadelphia Armenian community joined forces to restore the existing Young Meher statue.
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Young Meher Statue Committee Established
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Engagement with the City of Philadelphia art director began.
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Preliminary plans for the restoration of the statue were developed.
MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT
Below is a partial list of volunteers who have generously donated their time, talents, and unique skills to help bring this project to life.
OUR JOURNEY
LEARN ABOUT THE PROJECT
Discover the legend of the Meher statue, the artist behind its creation, and the intricate details that make it a unique cultural and artistic treasure within Philadelphia’s vast library of sculptures. Learn More
The Project Design
This project holds deep symbolic and cultural significance for both the Armenian community and the City of Philadelphia. Explore the inspiration behind it and the many details that make it truly special. Learn More
On April 24, 1976, Armenians from across the country gathered in Philadelphia to unveil and dedicate a statue honoring the legendary Armenian hero, Young Meher. Explore the history and view photos from this momentous day. Learn More
