2022-03-08 Firehouse, Freehold, NJ

Scheduled: ??:?? Local Start Time ??:?? / End Time ??:??

Info | Venue

Bruce announced a new exhibition space will arise in the old firehouse. It will be presenting Springsteen artifacts, photographs, multimedia displays of voice, film, concert footage, interviews and interactive displays.

Speech “Freehold Springsteen Archives Museum Announcement”
… Tell me I was going to have to say … anything, … so I just thought I was going to come down and get my picture taken … but … what can I say everything I learned of deep importance I learned in this town.
You learn most of what makes you who you are … gosh I don't know by the time you're 12 … maybe … maybe 18 years … and I had all the usual joy and heartbreak of growing up in a small town like this … and of course … the minute the opportunity arose I got the hell out all right.
I suppose the unusual thing was that … moving around the world as I did … all I knew … is I always came back … I always came back … and … to this day I've spent quite a bit of money and time trying to figure out what I keep coming back for … and … so far … no answer, I'll let you know as things go … along but I think one of the things I come back for is just this … this is nice.
You know somebody who … who … mentioned to me first the idea of this idea of putting the archives in here in connection with Month was he Mike, Mike … Mike, Mike Wilson … so I first know … I … you know they're going to do it at Mars University. I don't want to step on anybody's toes … I literally putting the firehouse in the firehouse … that's the coolest building in town.
So … so I said … gee that I don't know that … sounds like you can do it without you … know everybody's agreed on what it's going to be and how it's going to work. You know they kind of be wonderful for me. I mean it's the bottom line is you … can't get away from the fact it feels bizarre. I see … I sat three blocks from here … came up with a few songs and things that … I liked and the idea that 50 years later … anybody was going to be interested in … them at all. I mean what are the odds folks … they're very small you know. But got on this is the ring … my first manager tech's Vinyard … passed away … and … we're over there in Texas over … by the rug mill … and gave me this ring … and I wear it on very special occasions … because it's … it's the one thing I have that deeply … connects me to … center street and … the town in general and my great old … friends that I … knew at the time and worked with and … played with … that's at least remained some essential … part of me …
I could not even tell you why … I don't know why … all I know is it has you know … and it's the reason I'm … skipping breakfast to be here today … but all I can really do is … thank everybody my … everybody here on the die you guys are … all in the best and it's, it's …
I come into town often … very very often … we'll be sitting in Federicis or I'll just drive through on my own I still do … all the time … so … I'm watching you … but … it's been wonderful having this town as … the center of my … of my art … and of my life. I look forward to doing that … until they put me in the box.

^{Compiled by : Brucebase.}

Springsteen Archives announces collaboration with Freehold Borough to create a new display space

West Long Branch, NJ - March 7, 2022
The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University has announced a new collaboration with the Borough of Freehold to create an exhibition space in downtown Freehold celebrating the life of Freehold’s most famous son, Bruce Springsteen.
Archives Director Eileen Chapman said, “Together, the Springsteen exhibition in Freehold and The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music on the campus of Monmouth University will ensure that the musical legacy of Springsteen and his important role in American music history remain in New Jersey for generations to come.”
The current Freehold Fire Department building located at 49 W. Main Street will be renovated to accommodate the new exhibition space. The Fire Department will be relocated as part of the Freehold Center Core Redevelopment Plan.
The anticipated opening date is mid-2024. The exhibition will include artifacts, photographs, multi-media displays (voice, film, concert footage, interviews), and interactive displays.
Freehold Borough Mayor Kevin Kane said, “On behalf of the entire council, I can say we are so excited to see this collaboration with the Springsteen Archives move forward. This will be the centerpiece of our redevelopment project and will be a fabulous addition to historic downtown Freehold.”
Monmouth University President and Chairman of the Archives Board of Directors Patrick Leahy added, “The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music is pleased to welcome our new Freehold partners as we develop on the campus on Monmouth University one of the country’s premiere cultural and educational institutions dedicated to preserving the legacy of Bruce Springsteen and celebrating the long, rich story of American music.”
According to Chapman, “The Springsteen exhibition in Freehold will allow us to provide not only exciting exhibits that tell the story of Springsteen’s early years, but also dynamic educational and public programs with strong ties to the community and area schools. This exhibition will be an educational resource for teachers, with pre-tour activities for school groups. In addition, visitors will come from all over the world to see the exhibit.”
The Springsteen Freehold exhibition will be curated and programmed by The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music, along with Freehold historian Kevin Coyne and other members of the Freehold community deeply familiar with the Springsteen story. As Coyne said, “The central idea behind the Freehold project is to tell the story of Bruce Springsteen as a writer, as a storyteller, as a chronicler of America, and how his story and the story of his hometown intertwine to tell the larger story of his country.”

^{By Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music via Facebook.}

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