The Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens has won the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Medal for Museums, the highest honor awarded to museums and libraries.

The award is bestowed upon an establishment that has made a significant impact on its community. Of the 10 handed out this year, the Louis Armstrong House Museum is the only recipient in the state of New York.

The museum’s executive director, Regina Bain, will accept the award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., next month.

“This signifies recognition of our dedication to preserving the legacy of Louis Armstrong, a cultural icon whose impact transcends generations and borders," Bain said. "It also serves as 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.”

For more information on the Louis Armstrong House Museum or to schedule a visit, head here. We'll be working on our aperture skills—or lack thereof.