Returning to the Sea of Cortez

What happens when John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts’ most famous voyage becomes a living story—retold by the next generation and carried forward by today’s scientists?

Join The Steinbeck Experience for an evening of conversation and storytelling at the Stanton Center, where Monterey history, student adventure, and real-world ocean science come together—rooted in the enduring legacy of John Steinbeck, Ed Ricketts, the Western Flyer, and the Sea of Cortez.

Event details

Date: January 21, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Venue: The Stanton Center

Admission: $15 members, $20 non-members

What you’ll experience

Wine & Desserts: Kick off the evening with wine from Big Sur Vineyards, sweets, and lively conversation as we celebrate stories from the sea.

The Student Adventure: Experience the Sea of Cortez through the eyes of the next generation—join a lively student panel from Robert Louis Stevenson School as they share photos, videos, and unforgettable moments from their 2025 expedition, celebrating marine life, cultural exchange, and curiosity at sea.. Moderated by Ron Provost.

Steinbeck & Ricketts’ Scientific Legacy: Raise a glass to science and curiosity as researchers from Green Flash Conservation Science unveil their 2026 Sea of Cortez expedition—returning to Steinbeck and Ricketts’ 1940 tidepools to understand how these vital ecosystems have changed through field science, community collaboration, and storytelling.

Audience Q&A: Ask questions, share reflections, and join the celebration of exploration, learning, and the living Sea of Cortez.

Silent auction

We’ll feature a curated silent auction showcasing local artists and merchants—where every bid supports creativity, local community, and the stories that carry us forward.

Why we’re gathering

We’re coming together to fundraise for The Steinbeck Experience and Green Flash’s 2026 Sea of Cortez expedition and—fueling hands-on science, local storytelling, and Monterey’s living legacy all in one unforgettable night.