AHARI was organized in 1997 to participate in the Heritage Harbor Museum and Library. The concept of Heritage Harbor was to focus on how the various ethnic and racial groups came to Rhode Island, lived, worked and contributed to Rhode Island history. Although the Heritage Harbor Museum did not materialize, the AHARI organization continues to pursue its dream of telling the story of Armenian immigrants, past and present, and their contribution to Rhode Island history.
AHARI is a consortium of approximately 30 cultural, political and religious groups that have representation as board members of the Association plus 12 non-affiliated elected individuals. AHARI is a non-profit, non-sectarian, non-political corporation organized exclusively for educational purposes within the meaning of section 501 © 3 of the IRS Code. Thus, making it a tax exempt corporation under Rhode Island and federal law and tax deductible for contributions.