The State Historical Society of Missouri continues its Route 66 collecting initiative focused on preserving the road’s history within the state. Examples of items include photographs, postcards, film and home videos along the route, records of roadside businesses, oral histories of people who traveled or worked along the road, small souvenirs or artifacts, artwork, and architectural drawings of iconic structures and places. In particular, the collection could use items from Webster, Laclede, Franklin, and Lawrence counties, so each of the counties along the famous highway will be represented in the Route 66 collection.
“We’re very interested in stories and materials ranging from the road’s origins to its peak period in Missouri (circa 1926-1960) to its decline following the rise of the Interstation Highway system,” said Kathleen Seale, coordinator of the State Historical Society’s Rolla and Springfield Research Centers.
Digitization is also underway to preserve and make the collection available online and accessible to more people. If you are cleaning out your basement or attic or know of a family or friend who might have some of this Route 66 material, the State Historical Society would greatly appreciate the donation to add to this important collection. For more information, contact: rolla@shsmo.org │ 573.341.4440
A donation form on the SHSMO website is available to download: