What a wonderful world it is for Queens’ Louis Armstrong House Museum after winning the IMLS National Medal for Museums, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. The beloved monument was among the 10 Museum and Library Awards recipients, while the Louis Armstrong House Museum is the only honor recipient in New York State. Executive Director Regina Bain will accept the award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in July.
In her role Brooklyn-based educator and artist Regina Bain look to preserve and further the legacy of America’s first Black popular music icon. Sharing, “This signifies recognition of our dedication to preserving the legacy of Louis Armstrong, a cultural icon whose impact transcends generations and borders. It also serves as a validation of our mission to preserve and interpret Armstrong’s house and grounds, collect and share archival materials that document Armstrong’s life and legacy, develop programs for the public that educate and inspire, and engage with contemporary artists to create performances and new works.” Moreover, in her role Bain further connects the LAHM’s family-friendly blend of arts and education with its surrounding community.
About the Louis Armstrong House Museum
Following Louis Armstrong’s passing in 1971. His wife, Lucille, continued to live in their home — on 107th Street in Corona, Queens — working to ensure that it became a National and New York Historic Landmark. After Lucille’s passing in 1983, she willed the home and its contents to the city of New York which designated the City University of New York, Queens College to shepherd the process. Despite a slow churn, the archives became public in the ’90’s, while the historic home opened for tours in 2003. In the time since the LAHM has become its own entity with official non-profit status.
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