Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Go behind the scenes at the Dole Institute to see the installation of the newest special exhibit from the Dole Archives, "Dole & Dr. K: A Story of Loss and Recovery Turned Advocacy for Armenia."
A young Bob Dole, searching for a fuller recovery from grave World War II injuries, connected with Armenian surgeon Dr. Hampar Kelikian. Over the course of seven surgeries in seven years, “Dr. K” shared his story of loss and renewal around the 1915 Armenian Genocide—inspiring Dole as he worked to reimagine his future and build a new life.
Kelikian’s lessons resonated with Dole in the decades following as he entered public service. Throughout his time in the U.S. Senate, Dole championed Armenia, including calling for official recognition of the Armenian Genocide – despite long odds and competing national interests.
This exhibit is based on the research of Michael Bobelian, who served as the Dole Archives Fellow for Armenian Advocacy in 2018. Mr. Bobelian is the author of “Children of Armenia: A Forgotten Genocide and the Century-Long Struggle for Justice.”
Learn more about the Robert and Elizabeth Dole Archives and Special Collections by visiting our website at doleinstitute.org
Find us on our other platforms:
Facebook | / doleinstitute
Twitter | / doleinstitute
Instagram | / doleinstituteofpolitics
LinkedIn | / the-dole-institute-of-politics
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, a vibrant forum for civil discourse, civic engagement, and idea exchange across the political spectrum, features historical archives, exhibits, and public programs for all ages. Inspired by the public service of native Kansan, veteran, legislator, and statesman Senator Bob Dole and his wife Senator Elizabeth Dole, visitor galleries feature changing exhibits, the Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall, architectural-scale stained glass American flag, and September 11 memorial.
Go behind the scenes at the Dole Institute to see the installation of the newest special exhibit from the Dole Archives, "Dole & Dr. K: A Story of Loss and Recovery Turned Advocacy for Armenia."
A young Bob Dole, searching for a fuller recovery from grave World War II injuries, connected with Armenian surgeon Dr. Hampar Kelikian. Over the course of seven surgeries in seven years, “Dr. K” shared his story of loss and renewal around the 1915 Armenian Genocide—inspiring Dole as he worked to reimagine his future and build a new life.
Kelikian’s lessons resonated with Dole in the decades following as he entered public service. Throughout his time in the U.S. Senate, Dole championed Armenia, including calling for official recognition of the Armenian Genocide – despite long odds and competing national interests.
This exhibit is based on the research of Michael Bobelian, who served as the Dole Archives Fellow for Armenian Advocacy in 2018. Mr. Bobelian is the author of “Children of Armenia: A Forgotten Genocide and the Century-Long Struggle for Justice.”
Learn more about the Robert and Elizabeth Dole Archives and Special Collections by visiting our website at doleinstitute.org
Find us on our other platforms:
Facebook | / doleinstitute
Twitter | / doleinstitute
Instagram | / doleinstituteofpolitics
LinkedIn | / the-dole-institute-of-politics
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, a vibrant forum for civil discourse, civic engagement, and idea exchange across the political spectrum, features historical archives, exhibits, and public programs for all ages. Inspired by the public service of native Kansan, veteran, legislator, and statesman Senator Bob Dole and his wife Senator Elizabeth Dole, visitor galleries feature changing exhibits, the Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall, architectural-scale stained glass American flag, and September 11 memorial.
