The Atlas Obscura Podcast

The Beat Museum (Classic)

Nov 7, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jerry Cimino, owner and curator of the Beat Museum in San Francisco, shares his journey from fan to curator. He delves into the revolutionary impact of Allen Ginsberg's Howl, revealing how its obscenity trial sparked a cultural movement. Jerry highlights the Beat ethos of compassion, inclusivity, and authenticity during a time of conformity, while discussing the significance of North Beach. He also reflects on the museum's unique collection and why Beat values continue to resonate today.
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INSIGHT

How Controversy Propelled Howl

  • The obscenity trial over Allen Ginsberg's Howl amplified its reach and cultural significance.
  • Controversy helped the poem sell widely and framed the Beats as challengers to conservative norms.
INSIGHT

Beats Embraced Diversity Early

  • The Beat movement embraced diversity and nonconformity in 1950s America.
  • It included people of different races, genders, and sexualities, challenging mainstream exclusion.
ANECDOTE

From Fan To Founder

  • Jerry discovered Kerouac in his twenties and it altered his life's direction.
  • He later turned a personal collection into the Beat Museum with his wife in San Francisco.
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