If you live in Iowa or close to it, it may interest you to know of a Route 66 exhibit coming Saturday at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum in Hoover’s hometown of West Branch, east of Iowa City.
“America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66” will be on display at the museum from Jan. 28 to March 26.
More about the upcoming show:
“America’s Road” showcases the stories of people, places, and events from 1926 until today. The topics are relevant to anyone who wants to learn more about our country and its history.
Themes that run through the exhibit include the history of Route 66, evolution of automobile travel, innovations, communities and populations, as well as accounts of travelers and more. The exhibit guides visitors to a greater understanding of Route 66 and its role in American history
Visitors to America’s Road have the opportunity to interact with the exhibit and each other in several ways:
- Population change over time map
- Drive-in theater experience
- Share travel stories
- Guess-the-artist radio show
- And more
An exceptionally well-maintained, original and non-restored Ford Mustang will be displayed. The Mustang hails from the heyday of Route 66 and captures the spirit of the road.
“America’s Road” is on loan from NRG! Exhibits in Washington state, which we reported about in 2013.
Company owner Seth Leary grew up in Springfield, Illinois, and said the late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire proved to be an inspiration to learn more about Route 66.
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum is at 210 Parkside Drive in West Branch (map here). Its hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
(Images from “America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66” from NRG! Exhibits pamphlet)
Thanks so much for this information, Ron! I would love to bring this Exhibit to our Museum, especially since we’re celebrating our 10th Anniversary in 2017. You do such a great job of keeping us informed of so many aspects of Route 66! We truly appreciate all you do.
Sincerely,
Susan Pordos
Executive Director
Route 66 Interpretive Center
Chandler, OK
How did this exhibit end up in Iowa, I’m wondering?