News & Programs

The Armenian Cultural and Educational Center ( ACEC ) and anoush'ella are pleased to sponsor the community reception in honor of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia, on Sunday, October 13th, at the ACEC. See details below.

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Armenian traditional dance classes designed for children, teenagers, and adults

ACEC, July 18, 2024.- The ACEC is pleased to announce that for the second year in a row, it has been awarded the Watertown Community Foundation’s (WCF) Institutional Grant. The ACEC is grateful for its partnership with the WCF, which supports positive change by funding non-profits so all Watertown’s residents continue to thrive in a vibrant, welcoming community. The Watertown Community Foundation’s 2024 Institutional Grant helps support ACEC’s mission to provide a safe and vital community space for people in Watertown and neighboring areas to gather, participate in activities, and build social connections and friendships. Thank you Watertown Community Foundation for your support!

The 108 th anniversary commemoration of the Armenian Genocide by the Massachusetts Armenian community took place at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) in Watertown on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. The commemoration program included a religious ceremony, opening remarks by MC Kristina Ayanian, a cultural program, and a message form keynote speaker Christina Maranci. The event was organized by the Massachusetts Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee.

On Saturday, May 13, the ACEC organized a successful clean-up day for the center. Thank you to all the volunteers who responded to our request and devoted their time and effort towards this labor of love in support of the advancement of the ACEC. Special thank you to the ACEC Executive members who led this initiative. We highly appreciate the moral and financial support, as well as the shared expertise of our sister organizations and every loyal and responsible community member. After all, as a non-profit community center, team spirit, community involvement, and volunteer service are key for the development, sustainability, and success of the ACEC. 

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.