Steinbeck Center Unveils New Wing

Last month a new chapter began for the National Steinbeck Center, with the grand opening of the 6,500 square foot Valley of the World wing. This long awaited addition celebrates the rich agricultural heritage of California’s Salinas Valley, which was first described as “The Valley of the World” by John Steinbeck in East of Eden.

“The Salinas Valley has two great claims to fame: John Steinbeck and agriculture,” says Kim Greer, Chief Executive Officer of the National Steinbeck Center, “With this expansion, we will be able to do justice to both areas,” he adds.

Steinbeck worked in the Salinas Valley fields and gathered inspiration from the workers and the land. The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men and The Red Pony are just a few of his works that are based on these first-hand experiences.

This new Valley of the World wing celebrates the history, technology and the people of the Salinas Valley. One gallery features audio clips, photographs and film footage of farm workers who worked in the local industry. Another gallery allows visitors to experience a day in the life of a trucker in a life-size semi cab. And yet another gallery examines the economics of the produce market. The new wing explores the entire agriculture industry, from field to fork.

East of Eden display at the National Steinbeck Center
Photo by Charles Pannell

Access throughout the entire National Steinbeck Center is excellent. Access features include accessible parking, a ramped entrance, accessible restrooms and loaner wheelchairs. There is plenty of room to wheel around in the spacious galleries, and there are a many benches and chairs throughout the museum.

For more information about the National Steinbeck Center call (831) 796-3833 or visit www.steinbeck.org.

The National Steinbeck Center is located in Salinas, just 20 miles southeast of Monterey. For a real taste of the valley, combine your Steinbeck Center visit with a wine tasting tour of the local vineyards. Check out the Fall 2003 issue of Emerging Horizons for information about accessible wineries in the Salinas Valley, and for access details about a new nautical-themed B&B on the coast.