The historic Western Flyer, chartered by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts in 1940, now serves as a working research vessel and floating classroom, sparking curiosity through the intersection of marine science and the arts.
Blue Dot: John Steinbeck, Ed Ricketts and the epic story of the Western Flyer
Blue Dot and KAZU | By Dave Schlom, Matt Fidler, October 19, 2026As part of KAZU’s special weekend programming on the Western Flyer, Blue Dot host Dave Schlom talks with Western Flyer Foundation founder John Gregg and Executive Director Sherry Flumerfelt about the vessel’s remarkable history, restoration, and new life as a platform for education and research.
View Full ArticleThe real Salinas Valley behind ‘East of Eden’: What viewers should know
By Clare Mulroy and Elizabeth Roberts, USA Today, October 04, 2026USA TODAY explores the real Salinas Valley locations and history behind Netflix’s East of Eden, including the Western Flyer and its connection to John Steinbeck’s legacy.
View Full ArticleNetflix’s East of Eden: From the Salinas Valley to the Western Flyer
September 28, 2026Netflix’s new East of Eden brings John Steinbeck’s Salinas Valley to a new generation. Follow the story to Monterey, Ed Ricketts and the Western Flyer.
View Full ArticleSteinbeck, Walter Munk, and Another Voyage of Discovery
September 28, 2026A visit aboard the Western Flyer revealed a surprising connection between John Steinbeck, legendary oceanographer Walter Munk, and one of the most ambitious scientific expeditions of the 20th century.
View Full ArticleHelp Shape the Future of the Western Flyer Foundation
September 14, 2026Help shape the future of the Western Flyer Foundation! Take our three-minute community survey and share what you value most about our work and what you would like to see in the years ahead.
View Full ArticleA Special Message from the Western Flyer Foundation
August 27, 2026The Western Flyer Foundation is launching a one-time $1 million stabilization campaign to protect the progress we have made and put the Foundation on stronger financial footing. Thanks to a generous $250,000 matching challenge, every gift made now will be doubled.
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