If you’re in Clinton, Okla., on Thursday for the National Route 66 Festival, you have the opportunity to take part in free workshops at the Frisco Center that morning.
If you’re a novice Route 66er who’s interested in preservation, these sessions probably will be informative. The workshops are free, and no registration is required. Here are the sessions:
8:30 – 9:30 a.m., Local Tools for Protecting Historic Route 66 Properties: The landmarking process and other local methods to protect historic Route 66 properties will be discussed by Johnnie Meier, former president of the New Mexico Route 66 Association and current board member of the American Road Foundation; and John Murphey, National Register coordinator for the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division and chairman of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Federal Advisory Council. Case studies from Albuquerque will be used to illustrate successes and challenges.
9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Route 66 Scenic Byway Designation: Learn how the state and national scenic byway designations that have been established in five of eight Route 66 states are bringing technical expertise, funding, and needed planning to the road. Pamela Lewis, Oklahoma Route 66 Scenic Byway Coordinator, will lead a discussion with representatives from the other designated scenic byways.
10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Route 66 Media Workshop: Ever wondered how to work with radio, television, internet, or print, local or national? How to get the word out about Route 66 events and accomplishments? This brief overview will discuss how to work effectively with local media and the preparation of news releases. Presenters include Emily Priddy of the Tulsa World, David Dunaway of the Route 66 Oral History Office and yours truly at Route 66 News.
11:30-11:45 a.m., Hands-on Preservation Primer: Emily Priddy will talk up the importance of local volunteers in working to preserve historic Route 66 properties, and will provide the background and logistical information on the selected motel property in Clinton that she will lead volunteers in working on from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 22, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 23 and 24. This project is the first of its kind to be held in conjunction with a major Route 66 event.