Archiving Richard Hovannisian's Legacy in Yerevan
Preserving and propelling Richard G. Hovannisian’s legacy
A team in Yerevan is cataloging the personal library of late UCLA professor Richard G. Hovannisian, comprising approximately 10,000 books on Armenian history and related subjects. The author, an Armenian Weekly editor, reflects on Hovannisian's profound influence on Armenian diaspora scholarship and mentorship. Hovannisian, a leading expert on modern Armenian history and the 1918 First Armenian Republic, emphasized the state's critical importance as a bridge between the post-Genocide period and contemporary Armenian independence. Beyond his academic achievements, the author recalls Hovannisian's personal warmth and genuine commitment to encouraging younger scholars. The archiving project preserves the intellectual foundation of a scholar whose work became essential reading for anyone studying modern Armenian history.
