Springfield museum exhibit will focus on Route 66, its patriarch

An exhibit dedicated to John Woodruff and the highway he helped guide to fruition, Route 66, will debut April 28 at History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Mo.

According to a news release from the museum:

The exhibit titled “Woodruff ’s Dream: The Mother Road through Springfield —  The Route 66 Exhibit” will be on display at the History Museum on the Square. The exhibit tells the story of the early development and growth of Route 66 through Springfield. “Woodruff ’s Dream” explores both the impact of Route 66 on Springfield and the effect the “Queen City” had on the Mother Road. History Museum on the Square will show some never-before-seen items and photographs that will fill two floors with this exciting exhibit at 155 Park Central Square.

Sunday at the Museum, our preview exhibit opening and reception, will be from 1 to 4 p.m. April 28. “Woodruff ’s Dream’s” public opening is on Tuesday, April 30, and will remain open from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through Aug. 31.

Along with “Father of Route 66” Cyrus Avery, Woodruff promoted the idea of a national highway, eventually designated as U.S. 66, coming through the region. Woodruff, an attorney and businessman based in Springfield, was called the Godfather of Ozarks Highways.

The museum, which sits on an alignment of Route 66, is closed so it can prepare for the exhibit.

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