David Kherdian is a poet and author born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin. His
writings reveal the rich Armenian culture established in Racine at the beginning of
the twentieth century with the arrival of his family and other immigrants as they
escaped persecution in Turkey. Kherdian became editor of the publication ARARAT in
1971. The journal was established for Armenian writers and Kheridan was a frequent
contributor. The David Kherdian Papers includes many of his poems, newspaper
articles about him and his novels, and introduce the reader to the world of small
press publishers. Small press publishing is unique and was especially popular in the
1970s. It allowed artists the means to express themselves and reach the public in a
creative way. Kherdian operated the Giligia Press and the work is featured in this
collection. The David Kherdian Papers are an opportunity to explore the 1970s world
of poets and artists, Racine, Wisconsin, and the Armenian community that resides there, and
experience art through small press.
