Alongside artifacts from the greats of country music such as Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, in a museum created in the namesake of New Jersey icon “The Boss” himself, Southern Ocean County’s own Albert Music Hall has a permanent place as a representative and steward of American music.

BORN IN THE USA: Albert Music Hall’s photos and instruments represent country music at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music. Wooden spoons are one of its contributions; the exhibit also includes founder Joe Albert’s washtub bass and a locally made banjo. (Photos by Ryan Morrill)

Music has always been at the core of the American experience: documenting history, launching movements, inspiring change and, above all, uniting people.