Tribute to Ray Bradbury now on display at the Duarte Historical Museum

He was a man who wore many hats: author, screenwriter, playwright and lecturer. But Ray Bradbury was mostly admired for his generosity and kind heart. A tribute to his life is now on display at the Duarte Historical Museum, collected and organized by Duartean Jack Collins.
Playbills, photographs, books, a video and news articles in the exhibit are from Collins’ collection which he has built over the years. “I hold him in high esteem,” says Collins, “and enjoyed organizing the exhibit to honor his many achievements.”
Bradbury spoke before a record crowd at Duarte’s PAC Center in 2002, and despite his advanced age, he remained at the Center for two hours after his presentation to sign books and talk to the guests. Monies collected at the lecture and all proceeds from his book sales were donated to our Library. He then returned to Duarte for another lecture and twice more to participate in the Annual Festival of Authors.
Bradbury is commonly known for the books he has authored, many with a science fiction theme. However, his career is diversified, a fact Collins has incorporated into the exhibit. Bradbury died on June 5, 2012 at the age of 91.
The Duarte Historical Museum is located in Encanto Park in Duarte and is open Saturdays 1-4 p.m. and the first and third Wednesday of each month from 1-3 p.m.. Admission is free. The Museum has an all-volunteer staff. For more information or to schedule a group tour call (626) 357-9419. The Bradbury exhibit will remain through February.

-Photo by Terry Miller

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