This past weekend, Lowell and the world marked the centennial birthday of writer, Jack Kerouac, but the celebrations are just beginning.
Thanks to funding in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, the original ‘On The Road’ scroll which Time Magazine included as one of the best novels of the last 100 years—and a part of The Jim Irsay Collection, is headed to Lowell to be the centerpiece of the exhibit ‘Visions of Kerouac’ which will be FREE to the public thanks to this grant, UMass Lowell, Lowell National Historical Park, City of Lowell, and Massachusetts State Senator Edward Kennedy from March 18th until April 15th at the Lowell National Historical Park’s Boott Cotton Mills Gallery.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have the gracious support of The Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau in bringing the Jack Kerouac 'On The Road' scroll to Lowell. Jack Kerouac wrote so lovingly, over the course of several novels, about his rich experiences growing up in Lowell, Massachusetts and I'm sure he would be honored to have this amazing organization that is of such great benefit to his hometown, step up and help show visitors from around the world how special this area is. The Jack Kerouac Estate wish to extend our gratitude to Rick Lofria from the GMVCVB, and all the folks at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Toursim for helping to make this birthday to Jack one that will be remembered for many years to come," said Jim Sampas, the Literary Executor of the Jack Kerouac Estate.
The “Visions of Kerouac” exhibit will also include archival books, writings, personal objects, and photographs including never-before-seen images of Jack Kerouac taken by fellow Beat Generation pioneer Allen Ginsberg. There will also be a collection of photographs by John Suiter.
“The Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is honored to be partnered with the Kerouac Estate to celebrate the centennial birthday of world-renowned “Beat Generation” pioneer, novelist, writer, artist, and Lowell’s native son, Jack Kerouac,” said Rick Lofria, the Executive Director of the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Visions Of Kerouac Exhibit Info
Kerouac@100 is sponsored in part by the Jack Kerouac Estate, Jim Irsay Collection; Kerouac Center at UMass Lowell; Lowell National Historical Park; Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism; Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau; Down Right Merch; Allen Ginsberg Estate; City of Lowell; Pollard Memorial Library Foundation; Wendy Harrington Design; Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union; George Duncan/Enterprise Bank; Lowell Cultural Council; Greater Lowell Health Alliance; Mahoney Oil; Moses Greeley Parker Lecture Series; Spectacle Management; Heritage Farm Ice Cream; Cox Fuel; Brian Ruhlmann/Craic Sauce; Massachusetts state Sen. Edward Kennedy; Massachusetts State Representative Tom Golden; Lowell Mayor Sokhary Chau; and Lowell city councilors Rita Mercier, Dan Rourke and Corey Robinson.
About Jack Kerouac
Jack Kerouac was an American novelist, poet, and icon of the Beat movement born in Lowell, Massachusetts. His most famous book, “On The Road” (1957), still has broad cultural influence. In his work, he challenged conventional form and was part of the most important literary and artistic movement of the 1950s.
About the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau
No matter what the season, the Merrimack Valley has a beauty all its own. The changing seasons add to the vibrancy of the region and with these changes come unmistakable attractions – skiing, biking, fishing, canoeing, white water rafting, strawberry picking, hayrides, and concerts under the stars. There is an undeniable spirit in the Greater Merrimack Valley – the same spirit that gave birth to our country. Based in Lowell, MA The Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMVCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the Greater Merrimack Valley. The GMVCVB is designated by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) to market the region as a premier travel destination for domestic and international travelers, group tours and bus tours, meetings, conferences, conventions, and sporting events.
About the KEROUAC@100 Committee
The Kerouac@100 Committee consists of the Jack Kerouac Estate, the Jack and Stella Kerouac Center for Public Humanities, Lowell National Historical Park, UMass Lowell, Lowell Celebrates Kerouac, Porter Productions, Lowell Office of Cultural Affairs, the Pollard Memorial Library, Lowell’s Franco-American Day Committee, Québec Delégation of Boston and the Jack Kerouac Foundation.
