Tree dedicated to Armenian Genocide, Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Armenian Genocide Memorial Tree in Albuquerque, New Mexico, stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Located on the landscaped grounds at the entrance of the Albuquerque Museum, this living memorial combines natural beauty with historical significance. At its base lies a travertine stone featuring a commemorative plaque inscribed with a dedication from the Armenian Cultural Association of New Mexico, Inc., which sponsored the memorial.

The tree was planted in the spring of 1981, with the dedication ceremony held on May 9 of that year. Designed by board members Jerry Chakerian and Charles Klanian, the memorial serves as a lasting symbol of remembrance and resilience. The plaque reads:

“This tree presented to the Museum of Albuquerque, a living commemoration to the 1915 genocide of the Armenian nation. Armenian Cultural Association of New Mexico, 1981.”

Surrounded by shrubs and adjacent to the museum’s sculpture garden, the tree and its setting offer visitors a quiet space for reflection amidst Albuquerque’s urban and cultural landscape. The museum itself, built in the traditional adobe style of the Southwest, enhances the memorial’s unique environment.

The tree is commemorated annually through ceremonies attended by Armenian Church clergy and civic and religious leaders, keeping the memory of the Armenian Genocide alive for future generations. This thoughtful and enduring tribute invites reflection on the importance of preserving history and honoring those who suffered.