Jack Kerouac Center

11/12/2025

The Jack Kerouac Estate and Zach Bryan have teamed up on a new limited-edition T-shirt collection. Net proceeds will be used to transform the historic Saint Jean Baptiste Church in Lowell, Massachusetts, into the future site of the Jack Kerouac Center, honoring one of America’s most influential literary voices.

The partnership is about two generations of storytellers who are driven by creativity and a passion for the road. Each design by way of the collection fuses the imagery of Kerouac and Bryan, along with the well-known “burn, burn, burn” line from On the Road, a line carried on in Zach’s anthem “Burn, Burn, Burn”, with the raw energy that keeps their worlds in sync.

“Zach Bryan’s music reflects the same authenticity and emotional weight that sustains Kerouac’s writing,” Jim Sampas, Literary Executor of the Jack Kerouac Estate, said. Since buying the historic church in May, he's done everything with respect for Jack’s legacy."

“Zach has been directly involved in every step of this partnership, from concept development and shirt quality to visuals and the intent of each design,” said Sylvia Cunha, Director of Marketing and Business Development for the Jack Kerouac Estate. “The goal was to create something true to him and Jack…a full circle moment bringing them together for a purpose.”
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The shirts come in traditional red, black, and vintage wash grey, paired with portraits of Kerouac and Bryan, as well as original artwork and the author’s timeless words. Each is a nod to both artists’ belief in storytelling as a tool of connection and change.

Please head to jackkerouac.com to help support.

10/02/2025

We are deeply saddened by the passing of State Senator Ed Kennedy. He was the one legislator who stepped forward, without hesitation, to support the mural that became the catalyst for saving the building that will house the Jack Kerouac Center.

His vision and commitment to Lowell ensured Jack’s legacy would have a permanent home. We are forever grateful. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

Ed Kennedy, who represented the 1st Middlesex District in the Massachusetts State Senate since 2019, passed away from complications due to pneumonia last night at Lowell General Hospital. Kennedy had reportedly been in and out of the hospital since early September. He’d also dealt with a number of...

05/08/2025

Zach Bryan Purchases Historic Former Saint Jean Baptiste Church in Lowell, MA, to Transform It into the Jack Kerouac Center

Bryan’s involvement marks a turning point, bringing vital funding and renewed energy to the years-old project, initially stalled amid funding issues.

LOWELL, MA [May 8, 2025] – Multi-Platinum, GRAMMY-winning artist Zach Bryan has purchased the historic former Saint Jean Baptiste Church building in Lowell, Massachusetts, ensuring its transformation into the previously announced Jack Kerouac Center. The project was initially announced in November 2022, but stalled amid the COVID-19 pandemic and funding issues.

The collaboration between Bryan and the Jack Kerouac Estate marks a significant step toward honoring the legacy of one of America’s most iconic writers while fostering creativity in the heart of Kerouac’s hometown.

The former church, a beloved Lowell landmark where Kerouac served as an altar boy, and mourners gathered for his 1969 funeral mass, will be converted into a vibrant cultural hub where two creative forces meet.

Bryan’s involvement marks a turning point, bringing essential funding and renewed energy. His commitment has provided the momentum needed to turn years of planning into a tangible reality, paving the way for the center to become a cornerstone of creativity and inspiration in Lowell.

The Center will feature exhibits, live music, public readings, and community events.

“We’ve been working on this deal with Zach and his team for several months,” said Sylvia Cunha, who leads Marketing and Business Development for the Jack Kerouac Estate.

“Zach reached out in October, and right from the start, it was clear he shared our passion for honoring Jack’s legacy while also creating a dynamic, creative space. He stepped up and delivered in a big way, showing incredible generosity. Our immediate focus is to bring the building up to code so we can start using the space for music and other events while forming new partnerships to help us bring this vision to life and ensure its lasting success.”

By repurposing the 20,439 square foot building into a space that fosters creative exploration, Bryan pays tribute to Jack Kerouac’s spirit while carrying forward a legacy they both embody.

Once a place of worship, the church will become a sanctuary for creativity — an open environment where diverse artists, thinkers, and performers can experiment, push boundaries, and share their visions with the world. 

“We’re thrilled to be working with Zach Bryan and his team to honor Jack Kerouac in such a meaningful way,” said Jim Sampas, the Literary Executor of the Jack Kerouac Estate. “The Jack Kerouac Center will stand as a lasting symbol of inspiration, forever linking Jack and Zach. [Bryan’s Investment] is a significant addition to the cultural fabric of Lowell and beyond, drawing visitors from all over the world.” 

Local community leader and founder of Acre Action Neighborhood, Dave Ouellette, brought this project to the attention of the Jack Kerouac Estate several years ago. He has devoted countless hours to preserving Saint Jean Baptiste alongside Brian McGowan from TMI Properties.

Ouellette reflects, ”This is a game-changer for our community. Lowell has long been a place where innovation thrives, and the Jack Kerouac Center will provide a vital platform to inspire us at a pivotal moment in history, while also serving future generations. It’s exciting to know that we will have a space that honors not only Jack but the character of this city.”

Built in 1890, Saint Jean Baptiste was the center of the burgeoning French-Canadian community in Lowell well into the 20th century.

Bryan purchased the former church from McGowan and TMI Property Management and Development — who previously bought the building and property from the Archdiocese of Boston in 2006.

More details will be announced in the coming months.

Building photos by Henry Marte for Marte Media.

01/05/2025

"My dearest hope is to come back to Lowell..."
― Jack Kerouac, Selected Letters, 1940-1956
📷: Jerry Bauer

09/27/2024

Please join us on Sunday October 13th at 11AM for this very special event.

Jack Kerouac Mural Dedication at St. Jean Baptiste Church, Proposed Future Home of Jack Kerouac Center
During Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Weekend
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 11AM-1PM

A stunning new mural commemorating legendary Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac will be officially unveiled at St. Jean Baptiste Church on Sunday, October 13th, from 11AM to 1PM as part of Lowell Celebrates Kerouac !. The former church, where Kerouac once served as an altar boy, is the proposed future home of the Jack Kerouac Center, a cultural hub dedicated to celebrating the life and work of the acclaimed author.

The mural became reality with major support from State Senator Ed Kennedyand created by renowned artist Kori Thomas, professionally recognized as the artist Quest Nine. It is a vivid tribute to Kerouac’s life and work, capturing his restless spirit, creative brilliance, and his connection to the church. St. Jean Baptiste Church, which holds a special place in Kerouac’s early life, is the ideal backdrop for this celebration.

“I am truly honored to have been contacted by the Kerouac Estate to create the Jack’s Legacy Mural in Lowell, MA" says Kori Thomas/Quest Nine, "Jack Kerouac has been a constant companion in my lonesome ‘van life’ travels, guiding me through connections with fellow wanderers and in turn inspiring my passion for art. As I delved into his writings, I developed a profound appreciation for Jack—his words, madness, and unique perspective have taught me to embrace and love every aspect of myself. This mural represents not just a tribute to him, but a celebration of his message, ensuring that his legacy endures. With hopes of establishing the Jack Kerouac Center at this site, we aim to create a haven for fellow beat travelers, aspiring writers, and enthusiasts of his unseen works. I am immensely grateful to the Kerouac Estate for this opportunity to share and celebrate Jack’s impact.”

Event Details:
What: Jack Kerouac Mural Unveiling/Dedication
When: Sunday, October 13th, 11AM – 1PM
Where: St. Jean Baptiste Church, 741 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01854
Cost: Free and open to the public

Event Highlights:
Mural Unveiling: The mural by Kori Thomas, professionally recognized as the artist Quest Nine, will be officially revealed and dedicated, offering attendees a chance to see this unique interpretation of Kerouac’s legacy.

Live Music: The Rocking Horse Music Club will perform a few songs live inside the former St Jean Baptiste Church , bringing music inspired by Kerouac’s love for jazz and the road, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.

Jack Kerouac Center Update: Jim Sampas, a key figure in preserving Kerouac’s legacy and nephew of the author, will provide latest information on the development of the Jack Kerouac Center, which aims to become a future cultural hub in Lowell dedicated to the author’s life and works.

Quotes from Key Voices:

Jim Sampas adds: "Kori (Quest Nine) is one of the most innovative and skillful muralists of our time and we are incredibly fortunate that her gifts graced these bricks and mortar in becoming an extraordinarily beautiful achievement that will stand as testament to all those who dare embrace their dreams and set to make them reality through dedication and devotion to their craft. That this magnificent tribute to Jack Kerouac is just a stone’s throw away from the gathering place of his family and friends after the typing ceased, seems to me to be an inspiring way to keep the words from fading and his legacy everlasting.”

The mural and the future Jack Kerouac Center hold great significance for the community. Dave Ouellette, a board member for the Jack Kerouac Center and a longtime Lowell resident and community advocate, shared his thoughts: "This mural and the proposed Jack Kerouac Center represent a deep connection with our city’s artistic and literary heritage. Kerouac’s spirit continues to inspire us here in Lowell, and it’s wonderful to see this tribute come to life in the place where it all began for him."

In addition, Mike Flynn, President of Lowell Celebrates Kerouac, emphasized the importance of this unveiling during the festival: "I am certain that attendees of the 2024 LCK! Fall Festival, who travel to Lowell from all over the US, Canada and Europe every October, will be elated for the opportunity to attend the official reveal of this brilliant work by Quest Nine, adorning the future site of the Jack Kerouac Center, and for the opportunity to actually enter the hallowed former St. Jean Baptiste cathedral where Jack once served as an altar boy and, of course, ultimately had his funeral mass in October 1969. Our motto at LCK! is "Everybody goes home in October", a quote from Jack. This is an event which will take that concept to the next level, I'm sure".

RSVP via our Facebook Event!

03/12/2024

Thanks for inspiring us, Jack. ♥️

Happy Birthday, Jack. Your writing changed so many lives. Forever on the road.
📷: Mario Jorrin

“It was in Centraville I was born, in Pawtucketville saw Doctor Sax. Across the wide basin to the hill – on Lupine Road, March 1922, at five o’clock in the afternoon of a red-all-over suppertime, as drowsily beers were tapped in Moody and Lakeview saloons and the river rushed with her cargoes of ice over reddened slick rocks, and on the shore the reeds swayed among mattresses and cast-off boots of Time, and lzily pieces of snow dropped plunk from bagging branches of black thorny oil pine in their thaw, and beneath the wet snows of the hillside receiving the sun’s lost rays the melts of winter mixed with roars of Merrimac – I was born. Bloody rooftop. Strange deed. All eyes I came hearing the river’s red; I remember that afternoon, I perceived it through beads hanging in a door and through lace curtains and glass of a universal sad lost redness of mortal damnation… the snow was melting. The snake was coiled in the hill not my heart.”
― Jack Kerouac, Dr. Sax

12/16/2023

Counting down to the Spring!

11/24/2023

Great offer from Rare Bird Lit and Sal Paradise Press.

Our publishing partner, Rare Bird Lit just let us know that you can pick up our two Sal Paradise Press releases at a discount with code Kerouac20. Please note that a portion of the proceeds goes to help establish the Jack Kerouac Center. Get your copies at rarebirdlit.com

Truth And Beautiful Meaningful Lies is a collection of Jack's quotes (so if you enjoy this page you can search for quotes by theme in this release).

Desolation Peak is a collection of unpublished material written while Jack was employed as a fire watcher atop Desolation Peak in the North Cascades.

11/06/2023

Amazing work by Quest Nine. ❤️

10/29/2023

And so it begins....thanks Quest Nine, State Senator Ed Kennedy, Like Lowell, and Jack Kerouac Foundation for pushing for this mural to happen. Also notice the big building just beyond this brick structure that we are hoping will be the Jack Kerouac Center. Read more about it at jackkerouaccenter.com

11/23/2022

Thank you, The Sun News

LOWELL — At St. Jean Baptiste Parish, in the heart of The Acre neighborhood, author Jack Kerouac served as an altar boy. The church was also the site of his funeral service when he died in 1969. As…