Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the Armenian Studies Program spoke on “From Armenia to California: The Odyssey of the San Joaquin Valley Armenians, 1881-2026,” to an audience of residents at the California Vineyards on Friday, January 9, 2026. The talk was part of a series of speakers and events held at the Fresno-based Vineyards.
Der Mugrdechian gave an overview of Armenian immigration to the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. Although the first Armenians in the United States arrived more than a century ago, Armenians began immigrating to the United States in large numbers following the 1895-1896 Hamidian massacres. Armenians had already permanently settled in Fresno beginning in 1881, and the community continued to grow with the influx of Armenians from the Ottoman Empire. The early Armenians established themselves in the agricultural field, as well as becoming small businessmen and entrepreneurs. Der Mugrdechian discussed some of the challenges faced by these early immigrants and how they were overcome.
The Armenian community of Fresno was centered near downtown Fresno, but for many years discrimination against Armenians meant that they could not buy homes in certain neighborhoods…