On June 20-August 10, the Godwin-Ternbach Museum at Queens College will house a smorgasbord of Louis Armstrong paraphernalia. Among the must-see items are letters to Armstrong from Presidents Eisenhower, Nixon and Kennedy, books from Armstrong’s personal collection, collages created by Armstrong on tape boxes, his gold-plated Selmer trumpet, the gold record received for “Hello Dolly,” and portraits of the trumpeter. The exhibit promises to delight even the most enthusiastic Armstrong devotees.
This exhibition will explore the legendary musician’s role in jazz history, as well as explain the significance of each object. Viewers will be lulled through the museum by Armstrong’s music and entertained by viewings of his film appearances. The exhibit is on loan from the Louis Armstrong House Museum & Archives, also in Queens. The New Orleans native settled in Queens in 1943 and remained there until his death in 1971.
In a press release, museum director Amy Winter said, “We feel honored and excited that this special resource is available to the Queens College community.” The exhibit is free and will be open Monday-Thursday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The museum will also be open on July 30 from 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. during the Queens Jazz Festival taking place on the Queens College campus that day.
For additional information, visit qc.cuny.edu.
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