"The understanding of a culture comes from hearing the language, tasting the food, seeing personal interactions, experiencing the traditions, and so much more in context."

— Elizabeth Laval & Candice Pendergrass, Sikh Youth Public History Project

"The understanding of a culture comes from hearing the language, tasting the food, seeing personal interactions, experiencing the traditions, and so much more when it is in context."

— Elizabeth Laval & Candice Pendergrass, Sikh Youth Public History Project

Grapes of Wrath, Retracing the Steps 75 Years Later

The Grapes of Wrath, marking its 75th anniversary this year, is the story of the Joad family, who, along with other dust-bowl migrants,  journey out of Oklahoma to California, searching for jobs, land, a future, and hope.

Cal Humanities undertook its own journey through the “Reading the Grapes of Wrath” grant line in 2002, on the hundredth anniversary of John Steinbeck’s birth. This grant was a California-wide initiative that encouraged people to read this great work of literature, and to then participate in public programs and events held in over 140 libraries all across the state.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary, on October 6, the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas began a 10-day Joad-inspired trip along the world-famous U.S. Route 66.

Follow the progress HERE.

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