Ray Bradbury, one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century who gave us the classics “Fahrenheit 451,” “The Martian Chronicles,” “The Illustrated Man,” and so many more was born in Waukegan, Illinois, in 1920. And now, 126 years later, his hometown is celebrating him in grand fashion.
In August, the Waukegan Historical Society unveiled a permanent, immersive exhibit at the Waukegan History Museum detailing the author’s local roots and worldwide impact. The Ray Bradbury Library Exhibit explores Bradbury’s Waukegan childhood and the library where he discovered the power of books and began writing his earliest stories.
The exhibit, housed in a restored Carnegie Library that now serves as the museum’s home, includes an exclusive animated short that explores Bradbury’s life, imagination, and the Carnegie Library’s pivotal role in shaping his future; artifacts like Bradbury’s typewriter, original manuscripts, and cherished personal items; selections from the writer’s expansive personal library that offer a deeper look into the interests, influences, and lifelong curiosity that inspired him; and more.
The Waukegan Historical Society hopes the exhibit inspires a new generation of readers, writers, and dreamers.
“As you walk through the exhibit, you’re going to discover a space truly designed to bring his legacy and boundless imagination to life,” said Lori Nerheim, Waukegan Historical Society president, at the exhibit’s ribbon cutting ceremony on August 21.
Warren Rudd, the illustrator and animator who designed the exhibit’s animated short film about Bradbury’s childhood, said the exhibit’s goal was to allow visitors to feel the wonder, curiosity, nostalgia, and mystery that shaped Bradbury’s writing.
“We wanted to create something whimsical that feels like you’re stepping inside his imagination,” Rudd said. “The Carnegie Library becomes that doorway into imagination.”
According to Rudd, the library is the perfect place for the exhibit.
“If Ray Bradbury taught us anything, it’s that extraordinary worlds can begin in the most ordinary places,” Rudd said.
Nerheim reiterated the library’s place in Bradbury’s legacy.
“Bradbury always credited the library for his education, and bringing his legacy back to the historic Carnegie building is a profound honor,” she said.
Watch highlights from the ribbon cutting ceremony below along with photos from the exhibit opening, courtesy of the Waukegan Historical Society.
How you can support libraries
With library funding being gutted and censorship on the rise, supporting libraries is more critical than ever. If you’re looking for a way to help, we urge you to become a Supporter of the American Library Association by donating.
At the American Library Association, we are here to protect libraries — today and for generations to come. What does your donation do? It helps a neighbor gain skills to start a business. It helps a child discover themselves through books and programs. And it helps keep libraries strong, open, and free for everyone.
Become a Supporter
Subscribe to the I Love Libraries newsletter! You’ll get news from the library world, advocacy updates, author interviews, book lists, and more delivered to your inbox every month.
Feature image: The August 21 ribbon cutting of the Ray Bradbury Library Exhibit at the Waukegan History Museum, courtesy of the Waukegan Historical Society.
