Steinbeck Museum Opens Historic Chapter in Salinas

Nearly 30 years after his death, author John Steinbeck was remembered Saturday as a museum named in his honor opened to the public.

About 350 people helped dedicate the nearly $12-million National Steinbeck Center, which was two decades in the planning and won support from families of the very farmers who felt Steinbeck betrayed them.

“Salinas did it right. This is a historic day for Salinas--this is a day for celebration,” Mayor Alan Styles told the crowd.

The local sense that Steinbeck was a traitor began with “The Grapes of Wrath,” the 1940 Pulitzer Prize winner that chronicles the migration of sharecroppers from the Dust Bowl to California.

Farmers who ruled an industry now worth $2 billion annually to the Salinas Valley were enraged that Steinbeck was sympathetic to the plight of underdog migrant workers.

But days before he died in 1968, Steinbeck told his wife that he wanted to be buried in Salinas. And as time passed, most of the animosity surrounding the author lifted. Many now believe the museum can help boost the image and economy of Salinas.

“It’s remarkable to see a town like Salinas reinvent itself,” said Thom Steinbeck, the author’s son, who was on hand for the dedication.

Asked whether his father would have enjoyed the kind words and upbeat mood Saturday, Thom Steinbeck said probably not.

“He was a shy man. He would probably spend the morning in his camper, drinking coffee,” he said.