In celebration of Route 66's centennial, the City of Chicago will formally recognize Navy Pier as the symbolic starting point of the highway. The dedication ceremony celebrating the new starting point of Route 66 and its role in American history, culture and adventure will take place on March 25, according to a news release. The … Continue reading Chicago announces new symbolic starting point for Route 66 at Navy Pier
Restored 1973 Chrysler New Yorker will be driven on Route 66 in tribute to its late owner
In August, two men plan to drive the 2,400-mile length of Route 66 in a restored 1973 Chrysler New Yorker in tribute to the car's late owner. The road trip by Markku Jaakkola and Jacob Gilbert will be part of an Official Route 66 Centennial event. Jaakkola, a Finnish‑born automotive storyteller and quality engineer, wrote … Continue reading Restored 1973 Chrysler New Yorker will be driven on Route 66 in tribute to its late owner
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City opens new Route 66 exhibit
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City recently opened a new exhibit that focuses on Route 66 during its centennial year. "Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops" runs through May 3. Tickets are available here. Here's what the museum says about the exhibit: From horses and covered wagons to riverboats, steam … Continue reading National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City opens new Route 66 exhibit
Over 1,000 cars already registered for Route 66 Centennial Capital Cruise in Tulsa
Registration for the Route 66 Centennial Capital Cruise in Tulsa has logged 1,000 participants -- months before the big event. According to a news release, 1,023 classic-car owners from 26 states had completed their registrations. Organizers aim to break the Guinness World Record for the largest classic-car parade of 2,491 cars. With the parade not … Continue reading Over 1,000 cars already registered for Route 66 Centennial Capital Cruise in Tulsa
New Mexico Route 66 Association introduces centennial coin
The New Mexico Route 66 Association on Tuesday announced the release of a special, limited-edition collector coin to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66. This memento is being produced in a run of only 250. Each coin comes accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Additionally, purchasers will receive a copy of the dated press … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association introduces centennial coin
Illinois governor announces $4 million in tourism grants for Route 66’s centennial
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday joined with other state leaders mark the kickoff of Route 66's centennial and announced $4 million in grants for numerous tourism bureaus to boost that effort. The announcement was made in Granite City with officials from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Agriculture … Continue reading Illinois governor announces $4 million in tourism grants for Route 66’s centennial
Renovated Joplin History & Mineral Museum reopens with Route 66 exhibit
The Joplin History & Mineral Museum in Joplin, Missouri, reopened last week with a new Route 66 exhibit after a month-long renovation. Here are images from Joplin's tourism bureau of the refreshed museum: Curator Chris Wiseman told the Joplin Globe that the face-lift comes during the centennial of Route 66, the 250th year of the United … Continue reading Renovated Joplin History & Mineral Museum reopens with Route 66 exhibit
New, Route 66-themed sculpture unveiled in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill area
A new Route 66-themed sculpture was installed recently along the historic highway in the Nob Hill area of Albuquerque, one of more than a dozen along the city's Mother Road. KOB-TV of Albuquerque reported that the "Route 66 Throne" artwork features a colorful Route 66 shield with gas pumps surrounding it, along with a cut-out … Continue reading New, Route 66-themed sculpture unveiled in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill area
Relighting ceremony set for April 11 for Chrysler Plymouth tower sign in Bristow
The Bristow (Oklahoma) Historical Society \announced that a lights-on ceremony will be set for the evening of April 11 for the long-dark Chrysler Plymouth tower sign. The ceremony will take place at about 8:15 p.m. The tower sign once stood a block or two from Route 66, but it has been moved to the Mother … Continue reading Relighting ceremony set for April 11 for Chrysler Plymouth tower sign in Bristow
Michael Wallis among those to be inducted into Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame
Michael Wallis, best known for his bestselling "Route 66: The Mother Road," will be inducted this spring with a Lifetime Achievement Award into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. The induction will start at 11:30 a.m. on May 14 in the grand ballroom of the Nigh University Center at the University of Central Oklahoma in … Continue reading Michael Wallis among those to be inducted into Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame