ACF Releases Genocide Memoir

ARLINGTON, Mass.—Genocide Survivors, Community Builders: The Family of John and Artemis Mirak is the story of two Armenian orphans uprooted from their homes in the Ottoman Empire during the Armenian Genocide and their life in the New World, where they became an example of courage and achievement in both their Armenian and non-Armenian communities.

Cover of 'Genocide Survivors, Community Builders'
Cover of ‘Genocide Survivors, Community Builders’

The family history was written by their oldest son, Dr. Robert Mirak, the author of Torn Between Two Lands: Armenians in America, 1890 to World War I (Harvard University Press, 1983). At its center is Zaven Mirakian (who became John Mirak) a restless, ambitious, and talented businessman who from a humble start built an impressive and innovative automobile enterprise, Mirak Chevrolet and affiliates, for which he was recognized locally and nationally. He also succeeded in major real estate developments in Greater Boston. He also donated both his time and resources to an endless list of charities from his hometown of Arlington to national Armenian organizations, as well as hospitals and sanitaria overseas. His wife, Artemis (née Aramian), not only assisted her husband’s efforts but, while he was away during World War II, raised their four children and inspired them to seek higher education and achievement.

The book is also a study in acculturation, tracing the evolution of the family from its immigrant origins to the middle class and upper middle class communities. It highlights the tensions of the second generation caught between the cultures of the Old World on the one hand, and the New World on the other. It also shows how the children and grandchildren of the founders carried on the family traditions of service, especially to the Armenian community in the U.S. and in Armenia.

Published by the Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF) of Arlington, the study with illustrations is available at the ACF, 441 Mystic St. in Arlington, and at the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research, 395 Concord Ave. in Belmont.

Guest Contributor

Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.

1 Comment

  1. May God bless those who participate in publishing the almost forgotten heroes and patriots of deserving nation. Փառ նրանց անթառամ յիշատակին.
    Instead of taking a box of chocolates and or a bottle of wine when visiting your friends and families, give them a book like this instead, killing two birds by one stone, which would be regarded as a national duty and leaving something valuable for your friends to remember. Distribute some copies among-st your beloved students.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*