News & Programs

A Community Gathering to Honor the Victims, Promote Awareness, and Highlight the Ongoing Struggles of Artsakh Armenians

We Remember. We Remind. We Rise.

A joyful gathering of celebration and togetherness

A Powerful Story of Resilience

A Tribute to a Community Pillar

Watertown, MA.- The Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) will be holding a community Palm Sunday Luncheon on Sunday, April 13, following Church service, at 2:00 pm. Delicious Mediterranean food will be served by anoush'ella. There will also be a kids' corner and a cultural program! Admission: $40.00 for adults and $25.00 for children under 12 years of age (children 5 and under free). Make sure to reserve your seating by Wednesday, April 9. See ticket details in Bio. We look forward to celebrating Palm Sunday together as a community!

The Armenian Cultural and Educational Center is excited to announce the launch of Hamazkayin Boston’s “NANOR” Junior Performing Choir! Under the artistic direction of Maestro Artur Veranian, "NANOR" will be a wonderful opportunity to develop vocal skills of children aged 8-14, connect them with the rich Armenian musical heritage and foster the next generation of Armenian voices1! Rehearsals begin in September 2025, at the ACEC. Registration is now open (scan QR code below) 

On Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) will host a community luncheon. Details to follow.

Dear ACEC Friends and Supporters, As we wrap up 2024, we would like to wish our community members a blessed and joyful Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy New Year. While we celebrate this holy season of hope and renewal, we reflect on the challenges our nation has faced as of late, many of which remain. The pain of displacement and the ongoing struggle and trials of our people in the Homeland and the Diaspora remind us of the resilience and strength that define our collective spirit. We hope for brighter days for our nation and we will do our best to contribute in that.  Year 2025 marks a special milestone for the ACEC, who will turn 45! For all these years, despite many challenges, the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center continued to serve as a community hub and physical home to several key Armenian organizations that are committed to preserving and promoting Armenian culture and heritage and are integral to ACEC’s programming and community outreach. These organizations include: a) The Armenian Educational and Cultural Society (Hamazkayin), b) The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Watertown Leola Sasouni and Cambridge Shushi chapters, and the ARS Social Services, c) The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), d) The Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts (Homenetmen), e) The Hairenik Association Inc., and f) St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church’s educational programs; the St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School and St. Stephen’s Saturday school. By housing these groups, ACEC plays a central role in maintaining and promoting Armenian identity within the Greater Boston community. The ACEC also hosts activities and events of other non-affiliated Armenian and non-Armenian professional and community organizations. May we begin the New Year with renewed spirits and sense of commitment to serving selflessly, humbly, and lovingly. There is always a need and an opportunity to better serve our mission and community despite the many challenges. Your support and kindness continue to be at the heart of everything we’ve accomplished for 45 years and our future plans, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) family. Please consider contributing to the ACEC during this holiday season. With your tax deductible donation, you will help ensure that ACEC can continue to serve these vital community organizations and enhance its ability to meet the growing needs of the Greater Boston communities. Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with warmth, love, and peace! With heartfelt gratitude, Executive Committee of ACEC Board of Trustees

Greater Boston is home to many ethnic communities that create a kaleidoscope of cultural diversity, and Watertown is a microcosm of that diversity. Armenian immigrants who first settled in this area during the end of the 19th century are an integral part of this cultural mosaic. Today, over 50,000 Armenians are living throughout the Greater Boston area in towns such as Watertown, Belmont, Waltham, Arlington, Lexington, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton and Boston with an annual purchasing power of over one billion dollars. This annual festival brought together the large community to celebrate the Independence of Armenia and to promote our culture.

The Armenian Cultural and Educational Center was officially opened in June 1980. That same year, the Bingo Steering Committee was formed and the first bingo game was held on October 21, 1980. Over the past 42 years, ACEC bingo has generated over $2 million for the Center. The proceeds have been used to pay debt service and utility bills. Games complied with all the rules and regulations of the State Lottery Commission. The ACEC continued to operate successful games until the pandemic hit, after which a final game was run on October 12, 2022. We thank all the players and volunteers throughout the years.

Café Anoush is a very unique and popular outdoor dining activity held at the ACEC in the summer. After interruption due to COVID, this activity is back starting summer of 2024 with Anoush’ella, the caterer operating the ACEC kitchen! Located in the ACEC courtyard, Anoush’ella will serve appetizers, side dishes, and kebabs Thursday evenings (rain or shine), from 5:30pm to 9pm.