The Karabian papers measure 25 linear feet and date from 1964 to 1992. The papers are arranged in nine series: Biographical information, Legislative files, Campaign materials, Correspondence, Writings, Subject files, Public relations files, Photographs, and Artifacts. The papers are the files that Karabian compiled in his career as a legislator, as well as other materials that relate to his career in the Assembly and his work in politics generally.

Walter J. Karabian was born in Fresno, California, in 1938. He grew up in Fresno's local Armenian community and graduated from Roosevelt High School in June 1956. After high school, Karabian left Fresno to attend the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. While studying at USC, Karabian was elected Student Body and Junior Class President. He was awarded his Bachelor of Arts in American History in 1960 and then continued his studies at USC. In 1963 Karabian graduated from the USC Law School where he later obtained a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from that institution as well. In addition to his studies, Karabian took an early interest in politics, working for President Lyndon B. Johnson's reelection campaign in 1964. After college, Karabian was a Deputy District Attorney for the County of Los Angeles and entered into private practice with John H. Karns, in Monterey Park.

25 linear feet

DVD, audiocassettes, video, and reel-to-reel audio tapes, photographs.

Copyright has not been transferred to California State University, Fresno.

The papers are open for research.