The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin joined the National Trust as manager of the Preserve Route 66 Initiative last month.
Martin, who hails from Tulsa, joins Amy Webb, who leads the Preserve Route 66 Initiative’s cross-Trust team. The initiative provides preservation grants, assistance and advocacy to help Route 66 tell a fuller American story as this storied highway approaches its centennial in 2026.
Martin is no stranger to Route 66, having traveled the road from end to end and meeting with locals who are part of the Route 66 experience. His other current volunteer professional affiliations include serving as chair of the State Route 66 Association Working Group for the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, a member of the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission and the Tulsa Route 66 Commission, and an adviser to the nonprofit Route 66 Alliance.
Martin also is an accomplished photographer and author, including the 2018 book “Lost Restaurants of Tulsa.”
“The National Trust is thrilled to have Rhys join our staff,” said Webb, senior director of preservation programs. “Rhys brings a depth of knowledge of places and people on Route 66 that will be absolutely invaluable for our work as we provide preservation assistance, especially some of the lesser-known places that reflect the full diversity of Route 66.”
In his new role, Martin will lead outreach and engagement in communities along Route 66, connect sites with assistance to meet their needs, and ensure successful outcomes for Route 66 grants and advocacy efforts.
“I am excited to merge my personal and professional interests with this new position which will enable me to have a full-time focus on Route 66,” Martin said. “I look forward to continuing all of my volunteer Route 66 commitments in Oklahoma and the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership while taking on this new national role with the National Trust.”
The Preserve Route 66 Initiative is working to advocate for a permanent, federal National Historic Trail designation; provide grants and other assistance to legacy businesses, nonprofits and public agencies serving Route 66; and create a Route 66 GIS and crowdsourcing campaign that includes an opportunity for the public to “Share Your Route 66 Story.”
For more information on the Preserve Route 66 Initiative, visit the Preserve Route 66 Initiative website.
(Image of Rhys Martin at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum courtesy of the National Trust for Historic Preservation)
WAY TO GO, RHYS!