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Blending a community center with education and culture, the ACEC fulfills its mission by housing and hosting a variety of cultural, educational, and youth programs that allow participants to develop the life skills needed to thrive in today’s diverse society, while preserving our rich cultural heritage. Our stakeholders include cultural and educational organizations, youth, athletic and scouting organizations, relief and charity women’s organizations, day school, weekly newspaper, PTOs, and the community at large. In addition, many non-Armenian individuals, families, organizations, and groups from various ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds choose the ACEC for their activities and events, including, but not restricted to, community celebrations, cultural events, concerts, movie screenings, theater plays, art exhibits and shows, dance and singing classes, health and wellness activities, sports, bridge, chess tournaments, bazaars, annual blood drive, fundraisers, weddings, private events, and other events by Armenian and non-Armenian groups.
The Center, covering a site area of 25,201 square feet, features an elementary school, a Saturday school that teaches Armenian language and history, singing and dance classes, athletic and scouting activities for kids, a main function hall and stage for performance which serves dual use, a foyer/atrium area for smaller events, a courtyard, a conference room, and a commercial kitchen. The facility serves as a Cultural Center, Art Education Center, School, Event Venue, a Youth Activity Center, a Community Center, and a Sports Center. Over 5,000 individuals visit the center each month.
Cultural Celebration and Diversity
As both an educational and cultural center, the ACEC maintains, advances, promotes, and preserves Armenian culture including, but not limited to, Armenian language, literature, history, performing and fine arts, heritage, dance, music, and cuisine. We celebrate the richness and vibrancy of our society by embracing the diversity of cultural backgrounds and appreciating different cultures' contributions to society.
Over the years, the ACEC was successfully transformed into a hub of cultural celebration and community engagement. While emphasizing its commitment to preserving cultural identity and prioritizing programming that highlights the Armenian culture, the ACEC incorporates elements that resonate with diverse groups within the Greater Watertown community and is open to introduce fresh perspectives and influences. We celebrate the richness and vibrancy of our society by embracing the diversity of cultural backgrounds, while also appreciating the contributions that different cultures make to society. By hosting arts and humanities activities of diverse groups, the ACEC proudly creates a medium for the display of cultures and creativity while also striving to make the center accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, ability, or socio-economic background.
Location
The ACEC is located in the heart of Watertown’s East End, which has been the center of Greater Boston’s Armenian-American community for over 100 years. Following World War One and the Armenian Genocide, thousands of Armenians found refuge in the East End and worked at the US Army Arsenal and the Hood Rubber factory (which was located directly across the street from the ACEC).
It is close to downtown Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Waltham, Belmont, Lexington, and Metro west. The site is serviced by multiple bus lines, including the 70 and 71.
Rental rates and related costs for all facilities are highly competitive and depend on the usage and your particular requirements.
To find out more and check rates and availability, please contact ACEC Office.
Mission Statement
As stated in its mission statement upon the founding of the Center in 1980, the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center strives to build a sense of community among Armenian Americans living in and around metropolitan Boston. We do this by maintaining a modern, safe and secure facility for organizations to hold their concerts, exhibits, lectures and gatherings at the Center. Our educational component covers an all-day elementary school, Saturday and Sunday educational programs for children and adults, as well as after school activities such as music instructions, dance classes and Scouting programs. Our aim is to help the development of good citizenship and the prevention of juvenile delinquency through the promotion of youth-oriented programs and activities which foster awareness in the Armenian heritage and American Civil Society.
ACEC History
ACEC’s history can be traced back to 1972 when a ACEC Steering Committee was formed to investigate the feasibility of building a community center in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Members of this committee were: Robert Kaloustian (Chairman), Jack Der Avedisian (Vice Chair), Alice Barsoomian, Peter Felegian, Father Torkom Hagopian, Martin Kanayan, Kenneth Kazanjian, Anahit Kechichian, Myron Khederian, Enoch Lachinian, Dr. John Manuelian, Norma Megerdichian, Tatoul Sonentz-Papazian, and Virginia Tashjian.
The committee considered several prospective sites and finally settled on purchasing a parcel of land on Nichols Avenue. The building was opened on June 29, 1980 and has been accommodating and serving the community since. It is a source of pride for all Armenians in the Greater Boston area and has hosted many members of our community in many different capacities.
Governance
The Armenian Cultural and Educational Center is a Massachusetts non-profit corporation. The corporation is comprised of fifty members elected annually. Thirty members are elected to represent the affiliated organizations whose home is the ACEC. Another twenty members-at-large represent the community-at-large. The corporation annual meeting elects a twenty-one-member Board of Trustees, each member serving a three-year term. The Board of Trustees, in turn, elects the officers of the corporation also known as the Executive.
Trustees and Board Executive
- Talar Abdalian
- Charlie Aslanian
- Jean Avedissian
- Alain Chaghlassian
- Stepan Chiloyan
- Varant Chiloyan
- Vahé Ghahraman
- Richard Ghazarian
- John Jerikian
- Dikran Kaligian
- Ani Zargarian
- Armen Khachatourian
- Ara Margossian
- Martha Mensoian
- Ara Sarkissian
- Vatche Seraydarian
- Roubina Surenian
- Josh Tevekelian
- Raffi Varjabedian
- Raffi Yaboujian
- Mihran Yenikomshian
Board Executive
- Vatche Seraydarian, President
- Vahé Ghahraman, Vice President
- Raffi Yaboujian, Secretary
- Armen Khachatourian, Treasurer
- Ara Margossian, Advisor
- Dikran Kaligian, Advisor
Staff
- Maral Joulayan, General Manager
- Marvin Beltran, Support Staff
Quick Facts
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The Location
ACEC is a venue 15 minutes from downtown Boston. Close to Cambridge, Newton, Belmont, Lexington, Waltham and Metro West. The site is serviced by multiple bus lines, including the 70 and 71.
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The Space
With over 12,000 square feet, our space can be set up and transformed to your liking. The 5,670 sq ft function hall/auditorium with stage, the 2,678 square feet lounge space/lobby area, and 3,678 sq ft courtyard, and boardroom, makes the ACEC a versatile space infinitely customizable for your specific event. With a capacity of 750, it’s both large enough and intimate enough for almost any celebration.
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Amenities
Oversized banquet rectangular/round tables that comfortably seat 8 or 10 guests, registration and guest book tables, and banquet chairs at no additional cost.
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Deposit and Final Payment
A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the estimated final balance is due at the time of booking. A guaranteed minimum number of attendees are due 10 days prior to your event. All events must be paid in full 30 days prior to the event. Organizations affiliated with the ACEC will receive discounted pricing.
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Kitchen and Catering
ACEC has in-house caterer, anoush’ella, ready to cater your event. Our fully equipped commercial kitchen can also be rented out to your caterer or food vendor, subject to availability.
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Audio Visual Equipment
Audiovisual equipment including microphones, projectors, sound and lighting system are available for rent.
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Parking
ACEC offers free on-site parking for up to 150 cars. There is also ample street parking in the area.
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Heat & Air Conditioning
Available in all indoor spaces (main function hall, foyer area and boardroom)
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Wheelchair Accessible
The facility and courtyard entrances have ramps for handicap access.
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Wi-Fi
All rentals include access to our Wi-Fi
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Reservation Time
2-hour minimum reservation time is required.
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Rental Rates
Rental rates and related costs for all facilities are highly competitive and depend on the usage and your specific requirements. To discuss your needs and get a quote, please contact the ACEC Office at (617) 926-6067 or acec@acecwatertown.org
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Alcohol Policy
It is necessary to obtain a one-day liquor license from the City of Watertown Licensing Board. Alcohol must be served by a TIPS (Training and Intervention Procedures for Servers of alcohol) certified server. The event organizer or server must provide a Certificate of Liability with the City of Watertown named as additionally insured.
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Equipment/Inventory
We have 5ft. round tables and 8ft. rectangular tables (included in your rental). We can also offer high-top cocktail tables for the cocktail hour. When you use our in-house catering, you will be provided with tablecloths, plates, silverware and glassware.
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Décor Restrictions
There are no décor restrictions. No drilling, stapling or hammering of any kind is permitted on premises. Also, because of the high ceilings, no helium balloons are permitted. We are flexible on décor elements brought into the venue as long as they don’t damage the property in any way.
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Cleanup
We will charge a $500 cleanup fee if the following breakdown procedures are not followed:
- All items brought in and used the day of your event must be removed from the premises immediately after your event. You are not permitted to leave anything on site after the contracted end time of your event.
- All table covers must be removed from the tables.
- The space will be delivered clean and at the end of the night we expect it to be given back in a neat debris free condition. Broom swept is all that is necessary.
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Book a Tour
You can book a tour by contacting the office at (617) 926-6067 or acec@acecwatertown.org
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Other Useful Information
ACEC has the perfect location for your next group meeting or corporate gathering. Whether it is a meeting for 30 or 600, or anything in between, we have the ideal set up and handicap accessible facility for you. We offer rectangular or round meeting tables of 8-10, arranged for optimal viewing. Meeting room styles can vary, from an open atrium, to a board-room, to an outdoor courtyard setting. Our large function room can accommodate up to 380 seated people, with an adjacent state-of-the-art commercial kitchen for your catering needs.
Our spaces:
ACEC offers spacious accommodations for you and your guests, including a large function room with stage (and projector) for dinner and dance or reception, a lounge area for cocktails, an outdoor courtyard if you are inclined to dance under the stars, a private room to store your personal items or your gifts, and on-site free parking.
Your special event:
ACEC offers a welcoming and affordable venue for your special event. Whether you are celebrating a wedding, birthday, graduation, baptism, reunion or hosting a reception, we can accommodate your needs. ACEC’s approach is to offer you a flexible package to enable you to plan your special event to meet your particular needs.
ARMENIAN CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER
Հայ Կրթական եւ Մշակութային Կեդրոն