Cong. Jim Costa Visits Armenian Museum of Fresno, Engages with Cultural Heritage and Interactive Installation

Fresno, CA – On March 28, Cong. Jim Costa (CA-21) visited the Armenian Museum of Fresno for a special tour led by Museum Director Varoujan Der Simonian. During his visit, Congressman Costa explored the museum’s rich collection of art, artifacts, and exhibits that honor the history, resilience, and contributions of the Armenian people and diaspora.

The Congressman engaged deeply with the museum’s diverse offerings, including a unique interactive sound installation titled Stone Dreams by composer and sound artist Joseph Bohigian, Ph.D. The immersive exhibit, which will be open to the public through April, uses specially placed stones as instruments that when tapped trigger fragments of Armenian folk songs passed down by survivors of the Armenian Genocide. These haunting melodies resonate throughout the museum, creating a powerful experience of memory, history, and cultural connection.

Cong. Costa also spent time viewing The Black Book of Talaat Pasha, the personal memoirs of the mastermind of the Armenian Genocide which contains a chilling list of cities, and the number of Armenians ordered to be deported or murdered during the Armenian Genocide. The Congressman, a long-time advocate for Armenian Genocide recognition, took a moment to photograph the display, calling it “a painful but necessary reminder of the horrors of the past and the importance of truth and remembrance.

“As someone who grew up in Fresno surrounded by Armenian friends and neighbors, this issue is close to my heart,” Costa shared. “I’ve always admired the work ethic, tenacity, and hospitality of the Armenian community.”

The Congressman also toured the William Saroyan Room, which houses drawings, writings, and personal artifacts of the Pulitzer Prize winner, Academy Award recipient, author and Fresno native. “When I introduce myself, I often say I’m from the land of Saroyan,” Costa said, reflecting on the profound cultural contributions of the Armenian American writer who placed Fresno on the literary map of the world.

Before departing, Costa expressed interest in returning to the museum for a longer visit, saying, “There is so much history and beauty here-I look forward to coming back and spending more time with the incredible exhibits.”