Near East Relief Historical Society welcomes the passage of a historic Senate resolution recognizing and remembering the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
Author: NERHS
New Near East December 1920
In the December issue children of Near East Relief orphanages make “Christmas out of nothing” while fighting continues between Greek and Turkish forces, leading to the massacre of Greek villagers near Trebizond. In the aftermath of the Battle of Alexandropol NER workers chose to remain with the orphans and patients in their care and receive thanks President Ohandjanian of Armenia. Thousands of Greek, Assyrian and Armenian refugees overwhelm the Port of Batum. The League of Nations continues to wrestle with the problems in the region and Denmark considers a mandate.
New Near East November 1920
Inside the November issue NNE explores the different religions and sects of the region, tells the story of Miss. Myrtle O. Shane who refused to leave the children behind in Alexandropol and how NER workers in Adana kept the soup kitchen open during months of Turkish bombardment.
House Resolution 296: Recognition and Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide
On October 29, 2019, an overwhelming bipartisan majority in Congress approved a resolution to commemorate the Armenian Genocide through recognition and remembrance. The resolution acknowledged the crucial efforts of Ambassador Henry Morgenthau and Near East Relief on behalf of the survivors of the genocide.
Citizen Philanthropy: Say It With Flour!
Despite the end of World War I in 1917, war and food shortages continued in the Near East as competing powers fought for dominance throughout the region. Confronted with the challenge of how to feed thousands of refugees, Near East Relief found creative ways to appeal to the American public to support humanitarian work.
New Near East October 1920
The October issue discusses the impact of the Treaty of Sevres and takes an in depth look at education in the Near East.
New Near East September 1920
In the September issue Turkish armistices are made and broken on a daily basis in Aintab, and Dr. Blanche Norton makes progress in the struggle against trachoma in Aleppo.
New Near East July/August 1920
In the July and August issue more than 100 Near East Relief workers prepare for the Fall Campaign at a conference in New Jersey and learn about the Armenians of Aintab fighting back with ancient cannonballs, homemade bombs and hand made spears. The Boy Scouts offer training in Smyrna and the children of Sivas excel at learning new trades.
“He loved us with all his heart”: Male Caretakers of Near East Relief
In honor of Father’s Day this past weekend in the US on June 16, we celebrate fathers around the world and all the men who take on the role of being a father figure for those who have lost theirs.
Near East Relief Historical Society 2019 Capital Campaign
Your support will help NERHS preserve the past and educate the future.
The New Near East – June 1920
The June edition includes an overview of the training programs in several of the orphanages, takes a detailed look at cloth manufacturing, reported on conditions in Urfa and more.
A Fond Farewell
Thank you for your support over the past two years.
“We Had Nothing Left”: N.E.R. in Erivan
The Near East Relief orphanage at Erivan (now Yerevan, Armenia) has a fascinating story that is all its own.
Home, Hearth, & Family: The Rodosto Farm Colony
Five thousand refugees. Six thousand acres of farmland. At last, they had a place to call home. But for how long?
On the Road With Annie T. Allen: Part 2
Let’s catch up with Near East Relief worker Annie Allen. This is a continuation of her diary from September 1920.
On the Road With Annie T. Allen: Part I
Have you ever wondered what life was really like for Near East Relief workers? Annie T. Allen kept a diary of her trip into the Turkish interior in September 1920. These entries were published in the April 9, 1921 issue of Near East Relief.
A Few Good Women: Near East Relief’s Female Leaders
The brave women who worked for Near East Relief were years ahead of their time. This 1922 article showcases just a few of the organization’s pioneering women.
SAVING LIVES, SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES: NEAR EAST FOUNDATION AT 101
On September 16, 1915, a group of businessmen, educators, and philanthropists met in New York City. Their mission: to save the lives of a suffering people in the Near East. One hundred and one years later, the Near East Foundation celebrates this history with an eye toward the future.
WHAT’S IN A NAME? Near East Relief Through the Years
There is enough confusion about this issue that your loyal curator thought it was time for a Dispatch. Let’s demystify the many names of Near East Relief.
From Relief to Development: The Unstoppable Alice Carr
Alice Carr was a teacher, a nurse, and a lifelong humanitarian. Carr was a pioneering force behind Near East Relief’s orphanage work in Greece. She was also an accomplished medical specialist who helped transform Near East Relief to the Near East Foundation.
Caught Between Empires: Near East Relief in Persia
Persia (modern-day Iran) was a key area of Near East Relief’s work with Assyrian Christians — yet this part of the relief effort has been largely overlooked. Let’s rediscover it together.
Constantinople, Part 4: Saving the Children
It was a time of brutal conflict, and countless innocent lives hung in the balance. Near East Relief would have to work quickly to save thousands of orphans — and it did.
Constantinople, Part 3: Saving Lives at Selimieh
How did a massive Ottoman army barracks become a home to 9,000 refugees fleeing military violence?
Constantinople, Part 2: Refugees in Peril
By 1921, the Queen of Cities was inundated with refugees from Anatolia, the Caucasus, and Russia. Thousands of lives hung in the balance. What could Near East Relief do?
Constantinople: Queen of Cities
The golden city on the Bosphorus had it all: wealth, beauty, diversity . . . and a burgeoning refugee crisis.
LOVE, TRAGEDY, SURVIVAL: Near East Relief in Corfu
Two thousand Near East Relief orphans found a temporary home — and two dedicated relief workers found love — in a gleaming palace by the sea. Sadly, the shores of Corfu were also the site of a great tragedy.
Near East Relief in Athens, Part 2
We found so many fantastic pictures of Near East Relief’s work in Athens that one Dispatch just wasn’t enough.
Strangers in a Strange Land: Near East Relief in Athens
After a sudden and life-threatening flight from Turkey, Near East Relief orphans found a new home in an ancient city.
In the Footsteps of a Saint: Life at Corinth Orphanage
It was a paradisiacal setting with very real dangers. Learn how the orphans of Corinth overcame the odds — with the help of two incredible women.
Strength in Survival: the Girls of Juniyeh
Let’s visit Juniyeh Orphanage, where 500 girls found strength in survival.
Commemorating 101 Years: Remember, Share, and Learn
April 24th marks the 101st anniversary of the Genocide against the Armenians, Assyrians, and Anatolian Greeks. How will you remember?
A Home By the Sea: Jubeil Orphanage
A Crusaders’ castle for a classroom. An archaeological site for a playground. Let’s dig into the story of Jubeil Orphanage.
IN AZAD’S OWN WORDS: “Toward Jubeil”
This emotional essay by Azad Kechian, age 12, was published in the New Near East magazine in April 1924. In addition to being a Genocide survivor, Azad Kechian survived the devastating 1923 malaria epidemic that struck Nahr Ibrahim Orphanage and the surrounding community. He wrote about the experience of leaving his orphanage home for Jubail with a clarity and sensitivity far beyond his 12 years.
ANTILYAS: THE AUSTRALASIAN ORPHANAGE
Today we are joined by Vicken Babkenian, an independent researcher and an expert on Australia’s work with Near East Relief.
VIDEO DISPATCH: IDENTIFYING THE CHILDREN OF N.E.R.
Our collection of historical photographs is second to none. But there is one thing that is usually missing: names.
VOICES FROM THE PAST: New Year’s Gift
Explore one of the Near East Foundation’s most beloved archival items in this special video dispatch.
Behind the Scenes: The Faces That Stay With You
Not every mystery can be solved.
Vacation at the Birds’ Nest (Part 3): Nellie’s “Beautiful Dream”
Nellie’s busy vacation at the Birds’ Nest comes to an end — with a few special surprises.
Vacation at the Birds’ Nest (Part 2): A Day in the Life
Nellie’s visit to the Birds’ Nest continues with a busy day in the life of the orphans.
FROM THE DESK OF NELLIE MILLER: Vacation at the Birds’ Nest (Part 1)
Near East Relief worker Nellie Miller loved to visit the little “birdies” at the Birds’ Nest Orphanage.
Behind the Scenes at the Digital Museum
What goes on behind the scenes at the Near East Relief Historical Society?
LEVIATHAN : Near East Relief’s Pioneering Mission
On February 16, 1919, a large group of Near East Relief volunteers set out to make history.
Spreading the Love: A Near East Relief Valentine
Happy Valentine’s Day from NERHS!
The Armenian, Assyrian, and Anatolian Greek Genocide: What Is Genocide?
In our last Dispatch we asked some fundamental questions about the Armenian Genocide. This particular question merits further exploration.
The Armenian, Assyrian, and Anatolian Greek Genocide: Facts & Fundamentals
As the 101st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide approaches, we address a few fundamental questions about this important chapter in global history.
In a Little Boy’s Face: One Family’s Story of Survival and Discovery
The people that were lucky enough to survive the Armenian Genocide faced difficult obstacles and painful choices. For brave families like the Karjians, survival was only the beginning.
Museum Detectives, Part 3: A Detective’s Epiphany
In which assumptions are questioned, first impressions are revisited, and the mystery is revealed. Your Museum Detective is about to have an Epiphany.
Museum Detectives, Part 2: The Plot Thickens
How do we unravel the mysteries that we find in our archives? NERHS Director/Curator continues our crash course in museum detective work.
Museum Detectives
How do we unravel the mysteries that we find in our archives? NERHS Director/Curator gives a crash course in museum detective work.
Celebrating With Near East Relief: An Orphanage Christmas
How did Near East Relief orphans celebrate Christmas? With tasty treats, small gifts, and sometimes even a visit from Santa Claus himself!
Spreading the Word: The New Near East Magazine
Near East Relief began publishing the New Near East magazine as a way to keep the public engaged. Nearly 100 years later, the issues offer incredible insight into Near East Relief’s work.
Restoring Faith in the New Armenia: Kazachi Post Church
The church at Kazachi Post appears in many Near East Relief photographs. What is the story behind the majestic building?
Near East Relief in Aleppo
Between 1915 and 1925 the city of Aleppo, Syria welcomed tens of thousands of Armenian orphans and refugees.
Honoring Alice Duryea Kinney
In 1921, a charming orphan girl became an international sensation as the star of Near East Relief’s Alice in Hungerland. Today we honor Alice Duryea Kinney, who passed away this week at the age of 103.
The Orphans’ Doctor: Mabel Elliott (Part II)
Dr. Mabel Elliott was a physician with American Women’s Hospitals. She joined Near East Relief on loan from AWH in 1919, and served NER until October 1923. Elliott’s work with NER took her to the most dangerous and desperate places: Marash, Ismid, Alexandropol, the Greek Islands.
The Orphans’ Doctor: Mabel Elliott and Near East Relief
Dr. Mabel Elliott was a physician with American Women’s Hospitals. She joined Near East Relief on loan from AWH in 1919, and served NER until October 1923. Elliott’s work with NER took her to the most dangerous and desperate places: Marash, Ismid, Alexandropol, the Greek Islands. The intrepid Dr. Elliott was a true public health pioneer. Part 1 in a two-part series!
Charles V. Vickrey and the Golden Rule
Charles Vernon Vickrey joined the committee that would become Near East Relief as an early member in 1915. As General Secretary, Vickrey oversaw Near East Relief’s groundbreaking promotional campaigns.
They Shall Not Perish: A Near East Relief Curriculum Guide
The Near East Relief Historical Society is proud to announce the release of They Shall Not Perish: The Story of Near East Relief, a new Near East Relief curriculum guide!
Syra: The Island Orphanage
In 1923, Greece agreed to accept more than 16,000 Near East Relief orphans after the evacuation from Turkey. Many of those orphans built a new home (literally) on the beautiful island of Syra.
100 Years Ago Today
The committee that would become Near East Relief met for the first time on September 16, 1915. One hundred years later, the Near East Foundation (NEF) continues Near East Relief’s legacy of helping vulnerable populations through sustainable development programs.
H.C. and Mary Jaquith
Harold C. Jaquith and Mary Harin Jaquith met through Near East Relief in Constantinople. Their life together was an adventure that spanned countries and decades.
Every Stitch a Story: Near East Industries
Near East Industries provided a source of income for thousands of refugee women. It was much more than a series of shops — it was a means of cultural preservation.
A Quiet Leader: James L. Barton
Dr. James L. Barton led this organization for 21 years, from its beginnings as a temporary committee to its emergence as the internationally acclaimed Near East Foundation. Who was the quiet man behind the greatest American international humanitarian campaign of all time?
Aurora Mardiganian and Ravished Armenia
In 1918, Aurora Mardiganian astonished the American people with her account of the Armenian Genocide. What can we learn from the double tragedy of Aurora Mardiganian’s life story?
Alexandropol: Life in the “Orphan City”
With more than 20,000 children in residence, what was it like to call the Orphan City home? This dispatch is the second in a series about life in Alexandropol, Near East Relief’s largest orphanage complex.
Alexandropol: Making the “Orphan City”
If one of your relatives grew up in a Near East Relief orphanage in Armenia, there is a good chance he or she lived in Alexandropol – a complex of three orphanages that housed more than 22,000 children at its peak. This dispatch is the first in a series about Alexandropol.
A Life of Service: The Barclay Acheson Collection
Barclay Acheson was active in Near East Relief and Near East Foundation from 1922 to 1957. His early photographs from the field form an integral part of our collection.
Jackie Coogan’s Million-Dollar Crusade
In 1924, nine-year-old Jackie Coogan raised more than $1 million in goods and cash for Near East Relief. Who was this pint-sized humanitarian?
In Five Images: Music in the Orphanages
A Near East Relief pamphlet from the 1920s asked the question, “Shall the Near East Have Music?” The answer was a resounding “yes.”
In Five Images: Bundle Day
Near East Relief Bundle Day volunteers gathered sacks of sturdy clothing and shoes for refugees and orphans in the Near East. “The Bigger Your Bundle, The Bigger Your Heart” was a popular Bundle Day slogan.
Fighting Hunger
The Near East Relief orphanages required an astonishing amount of food. Where did it come from?
The Nellie Miller Mann Collection
Announcing the Nellie Miller Mann Collection, a captivating group of images illustrating one relief worker’s time with Near East Relief. The Collection is now available in our digital archive.
In Five Images: Near East Relief Posters
Near East Relief used bright colors, emotional images, and heartfelt slogans to capture the attention of the American people.
Teaching About Genocide and Near East Relief
There are several excellent guides available for teaching about the Armenian Genocide, but there has never been a curriculum specific to Near East Relief’s work — until now.
In Five Images: The Relief Effort
Near East Relief began as an emergency relief operation but quickly evolved into a massive orphanage school system.
Daughter of Freedom: Zadi’s Story
Learn how Zadi made the journey from Near East Relief orphan to American child, capturing the heart of a nation in the process.
Announcing Our Downloadable Exhibition!
Have you had a chance to see They Shall Not Perish: The Story of Near East Relief on display in Los Angeles or Washington, D.C.? Would you like to see the exhibition to your own city?
Welcome to the Near East Relief Museum!
In 2002, a Near East Foundation Board member envisioned a website that would immerse visitors in the history of this organization, from its roots as a small committee responding to a humanitarian crisis to its emergence as a pioneering philanthropic effort.