PHOTO BY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PHIL LUPSIEWIC
Jack Herlihy, left, and Jim Canary, from the Kerouac Scroll Exhibit, examine artifacts.
By MARRIANNE SALZA
Jack Herlihy considered his greatest accomplishments at the Lowell National Historical Park (NHP), a unit of the National Park Service, with a contemplative pause and deep breath.
The lifelong Lynn resident retired last Friday, after a career spent serving the community as a park ranger, Lowell Canal system tour guide, and librarian.
“The chance to see the original charter for the Proprietors of Locks and Canals, signed by Governor John Hancock is what stirs my passion,” Herlihy said about what excited him the most.
Herlihy spent several years working with contractors, designers, and builders in the private sector. It provided him with a foundation in planning and construction that Herlihy later used in special exhibitions. In time, the gregarious Herlihy became a park ranger, quickly learning the history of Lowell and the park.
“I was inspired by the dedication of the staff I had the opportunity to work with; many of whom have become superintendents and leaders in the service,” said Herlihy. “I was happy to be doing something I intellectually and emotionally connected to.”
Herlihy has always appreciated cultural resources, so when an opportunity in the park’s library opened up, he felt that he could make a positive contribution by mainstreaming institutional knowledge.
“I’m deeply interested in what I can learn from long-time employees,” said Herlihy.
Herlihy thought he could be instrumental in the continuity of park operations for future managers who need easily accessible information to work with the community. The cooperation of Lowell NHP allowed for collaboration with local partners.
Herlihy worked as a collection manager, ensuring the success of the 2007 “Kerouac Scroll” exhibition of On the Road: The Original Scroll, written by Jack Kerouac, which was viewed by more than 30,000 visitors to commemorate the novel’s 50th anniversary.
For several years, Herlihy collaborated with UMass-Lowell, scroll owner James Irsay, the Cultural Organization of Lowell (COOL), and exhibit planners and designers. Herlihy also worked with the executor of Jack Kerouac’s estate, allowing personal artifacts to be publicly displayed for the first time.
In addition to his diverse work in Lowell, Herlihy also served as the curator at Minute Man National Historical Park, in Concord, in 2015.
“Looking at the number of projects I was a part of, I am pleased our small shop was able to meet the requests which came to us,” said Herlihy. “I’m excited for the future. Never has there been a greater opportunity to provide access to our collections than now. People continue to want to see the real thing. I’m thrilled to see the original item before my nose. I don’t think an online experience can ever fully replace the real thing.”
