Queens’ Louis Armstrong House Museum has won the IMLS National Medal for Museums, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. Among the 10 Museum and Library Awards recipients, the Louis Armstrong House Museum is the only honor recipient in New York state. The award will be accepted by the museum’s Executive Director Regina Bain at a ceremony in Washington, DC in July.
Bain shared “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.”
Brooklyn-based educator and artist Regina Bain is committed to preserving and furthering the legacy of America’s first Black popular music icon, Louis Armstrong. As Executive Director of the Louis Armstrong House Museum and Center (the largest jazz musician archive in the world), she further connects LAHM’s family-friendly blend of arts and education with its surrounding community.
