As the sun rose on a rainy October morning, excitement buzzed through the halls of the Ray Bradbury Center in the IU School of Liberal Arts in Indianapolis on the IUPUI campus. We were about to welcome a crew from PBS's WTIU/Indiana University Radio & Television Services to film a feature for their Journey Indiana series, called A Fantastic Fate. This wasn't just any ordinary day; it was a chance to share our passion for literature and the legacy of one of America's most beloved authors.
As the director of the Ray Bradbury Center, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as the crew set up their cameras and microphones. Earlier that week, the crew filmed an extended interview with Dr. Jonathan R. Eller, Chancellor's Professor Emeritus and co-founder of the Center for Ray Bradbury Studies (which has now been renamed “The Ray Bradbury Center”). Together, we eagerly awaited the opportunity to showcase the treasures housed within our walls and share the story of Bradbury's enduring impact on literature and popular culture. After working with Dr. Eller in an apprentice-type role for nearly half a decade, it was a joy to collaborate with him again even if it was from a distance.
Throughout the day, the crew followed us as we navigated the labyrinthine stacks of the Bradbury Center, pausing to admire rare manuscripts, original artwork, and personal artifacts belonging to the author himself. Each item seemed to whisper its own story, offering glimpses into Bradbury's creative process and the world that inspired his iconic works.
But more than just a chance to display our collection, the day with PBS was an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about Bradbury's legacy and the importance of preserving literary history for future generations. As we spoke with the crew, sharing anecdotes and insights gleaned from years of studying Bradbury's life and work, it served as a reminder to me that we are part of something special—a celebration of imagination, creativity, and the enduring power of storytelling.
Now that the Journey Indiana episode featuring the Ray Bradbury Center has aired, I invite you to watch our segment and learn a little bit more about our collection and our work. And if you find yourself captivated by what you see, I encourage you to email us at Bradbury@iu.edu and arrange a time to tour our collection and to experience the magic of the Bradbury Center for yourself.
In closing, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to PBS and the Journey Indiana team for shining a spotlight on the Ray Bradbury Center and helping to spread the joy of literature to audiences far and wide. Together, we can continue to honor Bradbury's legacy and inspire future generations of readers and writers alike.
