Caroline Mesrobian Hickman

Caroline Mesrobian Hickman is a Lecturer in the School of Architecture, Urban Planning, and Historic Preservation at the University of Maryland, College Park. She teaches courses on American architectural history and building typologies, focusing on Washington, DC’s architectural evolution during the early 20th century. Her research explores the intersection of architecture, urban development, and cultural history, particularly in Ottoman Armenian contexts and DC’s built environment.

Education:

• PhD in Art History, University of North Carolina
• MA in Art History, Tulane University
• BA in Anthropology, Duke University

Research Interests:

Dr. Hickman’s work centers on Washington, DC’s architectural history, with a focus on the first half of the 20th century. She has extensively studied the career of architect Mihran Mesrobian, culminating in her current book project, The Architecture of Mihran Mesrobian. Her research also spans Ottoman Armenian economic and cultural history, particularly in Afyon Karahisar, and Levantine trade networks. She has contributed to landmarking historic buildings and curating exhibitions on DC’s architectural heritage.

Publications & Contributions:

Her publications include analyses of DC’s row house developments, Ottoman Armenian economies, and the cultural significance of diplomatic residences. She has authored chapters in volumes such as Housing Washington (2010) and The Turkish Ambassador’s Residence and the Cultural History of Washington, DC (2013). Her recent work examines the historical context of DC’s urban landscapes and their sociopolitical dimensions.

Professional Activities:

Hickman has successfully landmarked several buildings designed by Mihran Mesrobian and curated exhibitions highlighting DC’s architectural legacy. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges architecture, history, and cultural studies, contributing to both academic and public understanding of built environments.