Docent Welcoming
January 22, 2018 • 11:00AM to 1:00PM
Do you know how Louis Armstrong rose from poverty to become one of the most prolific musicians in the world, and one of the most important celebrities in the 20th century? Did you know that Armstrong was a Civil Rights pioneer and broke racial barriers as early as the mid 1920s? Thousands of people living or visiting New York still don’t know that the American icon of Jazz music lived in a humble home in Queens for 28 years. You can help us tell his story.
In 1943, Louis Armstrong and his wife Lucille made their home in this modest house in Corona, Queens. Louis loved his neighborhood. He used to get his hair cut around the block at Joe’s Artistic Barbershop. He would invite the neighborhood kids into his living room, where Lucille fixed everyone a bowl of ice cream and they all watched westerns on television. Often, he would host many of the musicians that also lived in Queens, including Dizzy Gillespie, who lived around the block and used to come play cards with Pops!
Today, the Louis Armstrong House Museum is a National Historic Landmark and a New York City landmark. Administered by Queens College, the House opened as a museum in 2003. Everything in it is original!
Volunteers give guided tours of Louis and Lucille’s historic home to students, musicians, celebrities, and tourists from all over the world. Some of them bring their own memories of Louis!
As a volunteer you will also participate in concerts and special events, and become an expert in the jazz tradition. You will receive a discount in the Museum Store, free admission to the Museum, a free t-shirt, discounted tickets to special events, and recognition at our annual Staff & Volunteer Holiday Party.
The Louis Armstrong House Museum is located on 107th Street
in Corona, Queens. Visit Pops’ wonderful world and give yourself the opportunity to share his story with others.
*Aspirant volunteers will be greeted by the Director of Research Collections, Ricky Riccardi.
If you would like to become a volunteer, but you are unable to attend this event, please send us the form available at: louisarmstronghouse.org/
