The Armenian National Committee (ANC) of New York is part of the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots political organization. This public affairs organization serves to inform, educate, and act on a wide range of issues concerning Armenian-Americans all over the New York Metropolitan Area.

ANC of New York members—from civic leaders, educators, businessmen, and college students—are aspired in commitments on issues central to Armenians. The chapter collectively comprise of voters and activists of the two major American political parties Democrat, Republican, along with Independents.

History of the ANC of New York

The Armenian National Committee (ANC) is an outgrowth of the American Committee for the Independence of Armenia (ACIA) that formed at the close of World War I. Founded by Vahan Cardashian (the former Consul of the Ottoman Empire in Washington), its membership included many prominent American and Allied leaders including U.S. Ambassador to Germany James V. Gerard; Senator Henry Cabot Lodge; Charles Evans Hughes (later appointed Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court); and Elihu Root. The organization’s goal was to seek the independence of Armenia along the lines recommended by President Woodrow Wilson. The ACIA had its central offices in New York City with 23 regional offices in 13 states.

It was these regional offices that gradually evolved into Armenian National Committees. The ANC of New York’s first major activity was its role in the commemorative activities on the 50th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. It gradually expanded its activities to include public relations efforts to acquaint the local community about Armenian issues including the Armenian Genocide. Other activities included April 24th commemoration activities, public forums, voter registration efforts, support for local and state political candidates and updating the local community on Armenian issues.