Louis Armstrong House Museum Welcomes First Curator

David L. Reese, the former Curator of Gracie Mansion and Resident Director of Gunston Hall, historic home of George Mason, joins Louis Armstrong House Museum (LAHM) filling the newly created position of Curator as part of LAHM's Strategic Plan.

Mr. Reese joins the LAHM executive team with a Masters of Architectural History from the University of Virginia. His career highlights include serving as Museum Director of Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Gardens from 1981-1987, Curator of Gracie Mansion and Chief Officer of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy from 1987-2002 and Resident Director of Gunston Hall, the historic home of George Mason from 2003-2012. Mr. Reese authored "American Beaux Arts, 1870-1926" from The Elements of Style, a Practical Encyclopedia of Interior Architectural Detail published by Simon & Schuster in New York and by Mitchell Beazley Ltd. In London in addition he authored "Gracie Mansion" and "Inwood Park", entries in City Streets published by the Little Bookroom in New York.

Louis Armstrong House Museum has been serving the public since 2003 when it first opened its doors. The home was originally purchased by Louis and Lucille Armstrong in 1943 and Louis lived there until his death in 1971. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and a NYC Landmark in 1988, the home is preserved as if Louis and Lucille just stepped out for a minute giving visitors the feeling that they can sit down and have a cup of coffee with Satchmo himself.

The Museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts and furnishings that belonged to the Armstrongs and are displayed in their house, including a portrait of Louis painted by Tony Bennett in 1970. The custom-designed kitchen has been featured in architectural magazines all over the world. Rare and personal recordings of Louis Armstrong are integrated into the museum experience. The Museum holds the largest public archival collection in the world devoted to a single jazz musician. The Louis Armstrong House Museum serves as a backdrop to the story of the remarkable, improbable, life of Louis Armstrong.