Louis Armstrong House Museum & Archives

Introducing the new Louis Armstrong Center! It was a big, bold, challenging, full day. We thank our community for being there and will send updates every step of the way. More to come. #community #museums #jazz

As I visit museums across the country, I’m continually inspired by the unique ways they tell America’s story, provide impactful programs, and serve as beacons of culture and community for those near and far.   On October 12, we remember the union of Louis Armstrong and Lucille Wilson, an entertainer and dancer who performed at Harlem’s iconic venues, The Alhambra and The Cotton Club. Their anniversary holds special significance because it was Lucille who, after their honeymoon, made the pivotal decision to step off the road and purchase a home in Corona, Queens, where they would spend the rest of their lives and become integral members of their neighborhood.   This home, now the Louis Armstrong House Museum & Archives, serves as the cornerstone for preserving and promoting Armstrong's cultural, historical, and humanitarian legacy. The museum educates and inspires visitors by showcasing archival materials, offering public programs, and engaging with contemporary artists to foster new creations. In July, the museum earned the prestigious Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Medal, the nation’s highest honor awarded to libraries and museums for their significant impact on their communities. The Museum offers programs that speak to Armstrong’s legacy and meet the needs of their community – programs on home ownership, education, incarceration, public advocacy, and artistic creation.   I had the pleasure of visiting this gem in August and meeting with Executive Director Regina Bain and Director of Guest Experiences Adriana Carrillo Silva (Filstrup) for a tour. My mother (89) and I were captivated by their passion and the incredible two-decade journey it took to preserve the Armstrongs' house and open the Louis Armstrong Center. Located across the street from the museum, the Center now houses the world’s largest archive for a jazz musician—60,000 pieces strong—and features a 75-seat venue for performances, lectures, films, and educational programs. On the tour, they shared photos of Louis playing trumpet on his front stoop (yep, that's what we call it in NYC), they mingled with neighbors, and told us stories of the how the Armstrongs shared Louis’ music and their home with their neighborhood.   Lucille’s vision of homeownership made this all possible. After several attempts to convince Louis to buy a house, Lucille took the leap herself and bought the house with her own money and without Louis’ input.  In March 1943, she bought their home, which Louis came to love, living there until his passing in 1971.   If you haven't yet, I highly recommend visiting the Louis Armstrong House Museum—a true treasure in Queens.

Happy National Art in Education Week! Jazz and Education royalty visited the Museum when New York State Chancellor Lester Young, Jr. spoke with the New York City Arts in Education Roundtable in our Jazz Room. Thank you to all who organized and participated, including Kimberly Olsen, Traci Lester, Gary A. Padmore! #louisarmstrong

The Honorable, Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York, came to visit the Louis Armstrong House Museum. She is the first sitting Governor to do so. She congratulated us on winning the National Medal and for the legacy we continue through our work. Thank you Governor Hochul! #jazz

We did it! Thank you Institute of Museum and Library Services, including Cyndee Landrum and Laura Huerta Migus for a beautiful evening of celebration and honor. I was so thankful to accept the medal with a member of our community, Ms. Denise Pease. And it was wonderful to have so many friends in the space including Vedet Coleman-Robinson, Ph.D., Nora Halpern, Arthur G. Affleck, III and my colleagues Adriana Carrillo Silva (Filstrup), Charanya R, and Junior Armstead. Thank you to the entire staff, board and community, including our long-standing partners, Queens College and The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation. This was truly a milestone moment. See you in Queens!

The 2024 Armstrong Now Artists in Residence are here! Jazz saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins (The New York Times #1 Jazz Album of 2020); Tap dancer, choreographer and original Broadway cast member of Shuffle Along, Lisa La Touche; Saxophonist, composer and educator Steven Salcedo; and Dynamic musicians and multimedia artists Soul Science Lab. This fall these exceptional artists will delve into the treasures of the Armstrong archival collection to find inspiration for new works that fuse music, dance, spoken word, and more. Be on the look out for performance announcements! https://lnkd.in/gbYgZZW #museum #jazz #louisarmstrong

I love radio and I love being on WBGO, a bedrock of the jazz community as we discuss the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal for the Louis Armstrong House Museum. A 3-minute listen. #jazz #museums https://lnkd.in/e9QKMcMW