The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (SFM) announces its inductees for 2006's Hall of Fame celebration. George Lucas, DUNE author Frank Herbert, THE DRAGONRIDERS OF PERN writer Anne McCaffrey and book cover illustrator Frank Kelly Freas will be honored during SFM's annual induction ceremony at the museum June 17, 2006. Best-selling author and filmmaker Neil Gaiman will host the evening's events.

The induction ceremony is part of a weekend program of related events at SFM including the LOCUS MAGAZINE Awards, emceed by superstar science fiction author Connie Willis. A new display featuring personal artifacts and video footage from each inductee will be added to the existing Hall of Fame exhibit.

"It is a great pleasure to induct such a remarkable array of honorees who have each left indelible impressions in the field of science fiction," explains EMP/SFM Artistic Director Bob Santelli. "We're also grateful for the support and consideration from our membership and induction committee."

Tickets for the induction ceremony and other programs will be available for purchase on March 30 for members and April 5 for the general public. The evening includes a seated dessert reception and ceremony. For information, visit www.sfhomeworld.org.

Founded in 1996, the Science Fiction Hall of Fame honors the lives, work and ongoing legacies of science fiction's greatest creators. Nominations for induction are submitted by Science Fiction Museum members. The final inductees are chosen by a panel of award-winning science fiction creators.