SeeCalifornia.com

Photo: Exhibit dedicated to “The Grapes of Wrath” inside the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, California. “The grapes of wrath are growing heavy for the vintage,” penned famed author John Steinbeck, in his novel, The Grapes of Wrath.” He toured migrant camps inundated by the Visalia 1937-38 flood with photographer Horace Bristol, who was under contract with LIFE magazine. His photos of living conditions were rejected as too explicit and weren’t published until 1940 when a film version of The Grapes of Wrath was released.

The annual Steinbeck Festival in Salinas doesn’t take place until May 2-4, 2014, but events throughout the year in cities around the nation celebrate the famed author who wrote “The Grapes of Wrath.” In the 1930s John Steinbeck told the story of the millions of Americans suffering through the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. His classic novel’s timeless appeal resonates some 80 years later as California faces drought and families and individuals struggle every day to transcend devastating hardships, much like another generation experienced. Who is giving a voice to these struggles now? The National Steinbeck Center celebrates the 75th anniversary of the author’s momentous work by convening a national dialogue. Visit the Steinbeck Museum any time or mark your calendar for the special festival in May. See steinbeck.org