Route 66 Stories

We invite you to experience the rich history and enduring legacy of Route 66 by registering for this important online series. Notable authors, historians, and passionate advocates will come together to share their unique stories and expertise about this iconic highway. Participants will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Route 66 and its significance in American culture and history.

The State Historical Society of Missouri is partnering with Google Arts and Culture to highlight Route 66! You’ll find online exhibits, images, maps, architectural drawings, stories, and other material related to the history of Missouri’s section of the Mother Road. Google Arts & Culture is a non-commercial initiative that works with cultural institutions and artists to preserve and make the world’s art and culture accessible to anyone, anywhere.

SHSMO’s Route 66 coordinator Kathleen Seale, recently met with members of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, the National Park Service, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The two-day annual meeting focused on efforts across the country to preserve and provide crucial research of Route 66. There are numerous projects currently in the works to celebrate the Mother Road’s centennial with many more planned for the future.

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.