The Heartland of America Museum in Weatherford, Oklahoma, recently opened an exhibit about the state's civil defense preparations amid the U.S.-Soviet Union Cold War. According to KCEO radio, Southwest Oklahoma State University history professor and museum board member Landry Brewer acquired those items for the “Preparing to Survive Nuclear Attack: Western Oklahoma Cold War Civil … Continue reading Heartland of America Museum unveils exhibit of Cold War civil defense items
Category: Museums
Springfield history museum launches exhibit about Route 66 restaurants
The History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, just a few days ago launched an exhibit called "Order Up: The Restaurants of Route 66." The exhibit was made public shortly before this weekend's Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield. According to the Springfield News-Leader, it features a variety of eateries -- past … Continue reading Springfield history museum launches exhibit about Route 66 restaurants
Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa plans big expansion
The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is planning an expansion project that will add to its size by 60% within the next few years. According to a new release: Executive Director Lina Holmes hopes to complete this 7,400-square-foot addition in time for the historic highway’s 2026 centennial. “That is our goal,” said … Continue reading Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa plans big expansion
Joliet clarifies what it will do with nearly a half-million dollars for Route 66
A report in an area newspaper recently clarified how Joliet, Illinois, will use nearly $500,000 to beef up its Route 66 attractions for the highway's centennial in 2026. According to the Herald-News (paywall), the city council loaned $484,500 to the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau so it could get started quickly on Route 66 … Continue reading Joliet clarifies what it will do with nearly a half-million dollars for Route 66
Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona hands out four cost-share grants worth $10,000 each
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona recently awarded four cost-share grants worth $10,000 each to properties. The grant awards were announced in the association's newsletter, which was emailed this week. 1955 Texaco gas station, Winslow ($10,000): Plans include removing exterior paint to expose original white and green porcelain, replacing the garage door with a … Continue reading Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona hands out four cost-share grants worth $10,000 each
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton to receive over $1 million in improvements
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton will receive more than $1 million for improvements and new exhibits, it was reported at the recent Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame induction. The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) had the details: The money being invested comes from a bond issue passed by the state earlier this … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton to receive over $1 million in improvements
Taking a ride in a century-old Packard from the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa
Micah Choquette, the publisher of the Sapulpa Times, recently took a ride in a 100-year-old Packard car from the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. The experience was videotaped by Venture Films, and the result is a 5 1/2-minute video that's not only alluring but fascinating. That's mostly because of museum founder … Continue reading Taking a ride in a century-old Packard from the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa
Phelps County, Missouri, renews push to establish a permanent Route 66 museum
Advocates for Phelps County, Missouri, are renewing their quest to establish a local Route 66 museum in St. James at an old car dealership within the next year. The museum's advocates, including its president James Standfast, want to develop the old Hutcheson Ford complex, and fundraising towards the purchase of the site continues, reported the … Continue reading Phelps County, Missouri, renews push to establish a permanent Route 66 museum
Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi to perform next month at Old Joliet Prison
Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi will perform at the Old Joliet Prison in Joliet, Illinois, on Aug. 19 as part of an elaborate Blues Brothers Con at the historic site. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Joliet Area Historical Museum, reported The Herald-News. “He [Dan Aykroyd] made a significant donation of his time to … Continue reading Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi to perform next month at Old Joliet Prison
Route 66 Association of Missouri’s Motor Tour includes an exclusive tour of Red Cedar Inn
The Route 66 Association of Missouri's annual Motor Tour in September will include an exclusive tour of the Red Cedar Inn building in Pacific, Missouri, that's being converted into a Route 66 visitors center, museum and genealogy site. "They are almost finished and we are going to be the first people to see the completed … Continue reading Route 66 Association of Missouri’s Motor Tour includes an exclusive tour of Red Cedar Inn