The State Historical Society of Missouri is hitting the pavement this year to commemorate 100 years since Route 66 began with a telegram sent from the Colonial Hotel Springfield, Mo., accepting the number "66" for the soon-to-be famous highway. We look back on this national icon to understand the places and people who traveled from afar or lived or ran businesses along the Mother Road. SHSMO's new exhibition, Through the Windshield: Missouri’s Route 66, helps us view this prism in 20th century history and culture in Missouri. This 90-foot-wide display at the Center for Missouri Studies’ Wenneker Family Corridor Gallery is open to the public during SHSMO’s regular visiting hours. Many of the images in the exhibit are less well known, some recently acquired as part of SHSMO’s growing collection of Route 66.
In addition, a smaller mobile exhibit will travel to communities across the state, sharing the story of Route 66 through Missouri. Organizations that would like to host the travel exhibit may request it here and find other traveling displays featuring topics related to Missouri history.
SHSMO is offering Route 66 programs, virtual and in person, throughout 2026. A free online speaker series hosted by Research Route 66, a national organization helping the public to learn about the iconic highway. On March 10 at noon, SHSMO’s Katie Seale will present “Telling Missouri’s Route 66 Story” at the Center for Missouri Studies as part of the History on Elm series, which is in person and open to the public.
“For the past 100 years, Route 66 has been such a major part of not only the nation’s story, but Missouri’s as well,” said Seale. “It is a privilege to showcase the stories of Missourians who lived and worked along the road and to shine a light on our state’s Route 66 legacy. Through exhibitions and programs, we are bringing unique stories to people across the nation and the world during this centennial year. It’s an exciting time to be part of this commemoration!”
In addition, a monthly webinar series, Asphalt to Archives: Telling the Missouri Route 66 Story, will be held on Zoom from April through November. Join us on the second Thursday each month as SHSMO staff members discuss a wide variety of stories that occurred on Missouri’s portion of the Mother Road. The series is free, but registration is required.
Stay up to date with news, events, projects, and more on SHSMO’s Route 66 webpage. We continue to add stories, collections, oral histories, photographs, videos, and more. Join us on the iconic road this year!