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History

The Vartanian House and its outbuildings, consisting of a tank house and barn, were built in 1894 at "F" Street and San Benito, in the heart of the original Armenian Town of Fresno. Armenian immigrants first settled in Fresno in 1880. By the end of the 19th century there were several hundred Armenians in the area, including a successful businessman by the name of Hovageem Vartanian.

He owned a successful jewelry/pawn shop in downtown Fresno and wanted to build a house for his growing family, thus the construction of the Vartanian House and outbuildings. The house, which was built in the popular Queen Anne architectural style of that era, is considered to be the best existing example of that style in the west side of Fresno. The house, tank house and barn are on the Fresno historical registry.

The current owners, Fresno Mission, saved the house and restored it to its period correct construction. Recently, needing space to expand their downtown campus they are willing to give the house and outbuildings to the Armenian Cultural Conservancy, provided a new site can be found to move the structures to, as well as covering the associated costs.

Why It Matters

The house and outbuildings are legacy treasure for all of Fresno, not just the Armenian community. The Armenian Cultural Conservancy (ACC) is a Fresno based 501(c)3 non-profit group taking the initiative to create a permanent heritage facility showcasing the stories, music, language, artifacts, memorabilia and cuisine which honor the lives of Central Valley Armenians. The Armenian Conservancy is partnered with local Fresno groups such as Heritage Fresno to help save as much as possible of the early history of Fresno. The Conservancy wants to use the Vartanian House to house its Armenian Heritage Collections in a permanent home. A place where the story of Armenians coming to the Central Valley would be collected, curated and shared.

How You Can Help

We’re aiming to raise $1,000,000 for the relocation and restoration of the historic Vartanian House, transforming it into the permanent home of our heritage center. Your support makes possible the complex work of moving and restoring the house, meeting ADA and preservation requirements, building infrastructure, and furnishing the museum, ensuring the Vartanian House becomes a vibrant, welcoming home for our heritage center. Every tax-deductible donation brings us closer to that goal.

👉 Donate Now through this campaign page!

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Together, we can preserve the stories of Central Valley Armenians and share them for generations to come. Join us today and help write the next chapter of our community’s history.

Save the Vartanian House

Help us preserve history. Donate today!