Unique Donation to the Armenian Genocide Museum

American resident Nadia Shahgaldian made a unique donation to the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, presenting a rare antique book signed by Aurora Mardiganian, a witness and survivor of the Armenian Genocide, dated June 1920.

This first edition volume is based on Aurora's well-known memoir and serves as the script for the film "The Auction of Souls," which tells the story of Aurora Mardiganian, the Christian girl who survived the great massacres. The film's scenario was written by Frederic Chapin and directed by Oscar Apfel, produced by W. Selig in New York, 1919.

The rare book was acquired by Nadia Shahgaldian's husband from RareBooks bookstore. For over 20 years, the book has been kept as a relic in the Shahgaldian family.

It is worth noting that Aurora Mardiganian's diary was published in the American press in 1918 under the titles "The Ravaged Armenia" or "The Auction of Souls." The silent film, created for charitable purposes based on this book, was released the same year. In the film, Aurora personally played her role, becoming the first Armenian actress to appear in a film depicting the horrific images of the genocide.