The Illinois State Museum in Springfield put out a call this week for historic items relating to Route 66 in the Land of Lincoln so it can be ready for the highway’s centennial in 2026. It already has landed a bunch of memorabilia from late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire.
The museum launched the collecting initiative this week, stating:
In preparation of the advancing centennial anniversary of the designation of Route 66, the ISM is deepening our commitment to preserving and interpreting this important facet of our state and nation’s history. With that in mind, we are collecting items related to the history of Route 66 in Illinois that were made, purchased, or used between 1926-1977 in order to develop a collection that can be researched, interpreted, exhibited, and shared with the public for years to come.
Another news release states the family of Waldmire has donated his art and belongings to the collection:
“Bob represented a sense of freedom and devil-may-care attitude to people who were more enmeshed in a routine,” said his brother, Edwin “Buz” Waldmire. […]
The objects given to the Museum speak to Bob’s prolific output as an artist and his free-spirited, nomadic lifestyle. This gift includes original drawings, paintings, prints, postcards, and a manual typewriter on which Bob composed his newsletters and correspondence.
Additionally, the donation includes a pair of patched, cutoff shorts he wore when traveling Route 66, a roadside display stand for selling postcards and the hood of his 1965 Mustang, hand-painted with a map of Route 66.
The museum posted a wish list, with priority to objects “that carry powerful stories or well-documented histories.”
- Objects used in businesses along Route 66
- Objects related to the Black experience along Route 66
- Objects related to Black-owned businesses along Route 66
- Souvenirs purchased by travelers along Route 66 between 1926-1977
- Objects related to the construction and paving of Route 66
- Objects related to Route 66 during WWII
- Objects related to early automobile travel (pre-Route 66)
- Maps depicting Route 66 in Illinois
- Objects related to Route 66 in popular culture made, purchased, or used between 1926-1977
- Objects related to the Pontiac Trail
- Objects related to Prohibition & bootlegging along Route 66
- Objects related to the demise of Route 66 in Illinois in 1977
It also stated large Route 66 items would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Those who have such items or who wish to discuss a partnership with the museum should email curator Erika Holst at Erika.Holst@illinois.gov.
(Image of Route 66 directional sign in Illinois by Mike Linksvayer via Flickr)