History

This Queen Anne style Victorian was the birthplace and boyhood home of author John Steinbeck.  Built in Salinas in 1897, the Steinbeck family moved into the house in 1900.

The Valley Guild was formed by eight enthusiastic women who shared a common interest in gourmet cooking and wanted to showcase Salinas Valley produce.  The volunteers of Valley Guild purchased and renovated the house.  It was opened to the public as a restaurant on February 27, 1974 —the 72^nd  anniversary of John Steinbeck’s birth.  The house is operated by volunteers with a minimum of paid staff, and recently celebrated the 30^th Anniversary.  

Oprah Winfrey and members of her book club visited the Steinbeck House in September of 2003.  Her show was filmed on the front lawn of the House. 

April 1995 E Clampus Vitus designated the house as a literary landmark.

August 2000 listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Many Steinbeck family pictures and memorabilia decorate the walls.  

  Mission Statement

The specific and primary purpose of Valley Guild is to maintain and preserve the John Steinbeck House and create new revenues for charities in the Salinas Valley.  

Websites of Interest

Member of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Breau

Member of the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

National Steinbeck Center

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places