By Keith Tomasek, April 27, 2018

Justin Bieber returned to his hometown of Stratford to visit the Stratford Perth Museum with his grandparents. Together they updated the “Justin Bieber: Steps to Stardom” exhibit that traces his rise to international stardom.

Bieber and his grandparents arrived alone, no entourage, much to the disappointment of the 200 students visiting the exhibit moments before Bieber’s arrival.

Justin Bieber and his grandparents Bruce and Diane DaleBieber was delighted to see so many personal items from his youth in the exhibit.

Prior to the exhibit’s launch, Bieber’s grandparents, Bruce and Diane Dale, collected personal items from Bieber’s home, his school, etc. They were at museum every day because they generously supplied and helped catalogue much of the memorabilia. They continue to visit from time to time.

One of the exhibits in the museum is a blackboard where people can write a messages for Bieber who occasionally checks in with the folks at the museum from his home in Los Angeles.

Bieber signed the blackboard “Justin was here,’ adding a big heart.

Fans who visit the museum will get an up-close view of Bieber’s handwriting because his message will be covered in urethane and preserved.

When I visited the “Justin Bieber: Steps to Stardom” exhibit on opening day, visitors from Paris France and New York wrote messages on the board.

 

John Kastner, general manager of the Stratford Perth Museum, reported that Bieber was impressed by the number of fans coming from around the world to see the exclusive exhibit.

A visitor at the museum said that Bieber had changed his style since his last visit home, now sporting a scruffy beard, shaggy hair, plaid hoodie and khakis. The look reminds me fellow Canuk superstar Jim Carrey.

Justin Bieber and John Kastner 

Justin Bieber and John Kastner

Fans from around the world are making pilgrimages to the museum. I met this group of friends visiting from Paris.

I asked the fans from France about their favourite Bieber Tunes.

@Oridrauhl chose “Love Yourself” (Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber).
@JB_Tom chose “Say Never” (JB feat Jaden Smith).
@warrieber and @skyforwilkinson chose “Overboard” ( Justin Bieber and Jessica Jarrel).

One of the most significant items on display is the Diamond Award that Bieber received in August 2013 at his concert in Newark, New Jersey. The award recognizes Bieber’s hit single “Baby,” which is the highest certified single sold in US music history.

Justin Bieber backstage in New Jersey.
The Diamond Award on display at the Stratford Perth Museum.

The Heart of the the Justin Bieber Exhibit is Community

Most impressive about the exhibit is how it focuses on the community where Bieber grew up.

Everything from his time street performing at the Stratford Festival’s Avon theatre to his school friends and family is included.

After my visit to the museum, I was left wondering if Bieber’s talents would have been recognized and supported in another town. Stratford, Ontario is a community of creators and without that support network of people who recognized Bieber’s talents at a young age he might never have become a superstar.

When Justin was eight years old the Stratford community rallied together to raise funds to buy him a drum kit. The original poster from the July 2002, $5.00 fundraiser is displayed in the exhibit.

Here’s the small text:
“At eight years old, Justin Bieber’s talent as a drummer can only be described as exceptional. That is why the ‘building dream team’ has come together with yet another drum kit benefit.

“All proceeds from this benefit will go directly to the purchase of a drum kit for Justin with thanks to Stratford’s business, musicians, and volunteers for the evening’s production.”

When Bieber saw that poster on his recent visit he said “Looking at this stuff gives me goosebumps. I never thought there would be a museum exhibit about me.”

Check out the video of Bieber’s surprise 2012 appearance street performing in Stratford.

Details, Details:
Stratford Perth Museum
Justin Bieber exhibit – Steps to Stardom
Summer Hours (to Thanksgiving): 9 am – 5 pm every day
Tel. 519-393-5311
More info online