Kaisa Barthuli, a director for the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program for more than two decades, stepped down last week, and its grant program has been suspended. Barthuli sent an email on March 8, stating that with "sadness and deep gratitude" she was "leaving federal service" that day. Barely a week before, … Continue reading Longtime Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program director resigns; grants suspended
Category: Route 66 Associations
AP travel writer lists 14 inspirational woman of Route 66
Sage Scott, a syndicated travel writer for the Associated Press, recently published a list of 14 women who helped build or preserve the mythos of Route 66. "If you listen closely along Route 66, you can hear stories of great women echo through the kitchens of roadside diners, the front desks of family-run motels and … Continue reading AP travel writer lists 14 inspirational woman of Route 66
First sign goes up in Stroud for ambitious Route 66 neon project
The first of 45 new neon signs coming to Route 66 in Stroud, Oklahoma, was recently installed as part of the town's forthcoming Route 66 centennial celebration. Here's what the new sign looks like at night: Charles Palmer, one of the movers and shakers for the Stroud Route 66 neon project, told Route 66 News … Continue reading First sign goes up in Stroud for ambitious Route 66 neon project
State of Oklahoma issues new state map that commemorates Route 66
Last week, the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission announced the launch of a Route 66 commemorative map for the Sooner State. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who also leads the state's tourism agency and is a big proponent of Route 66, attended a news conference at the state Capitol to promote the 2025-2026 map. The maps … Continue reading State of Oklahoma issues new state map that commemorates Route 66
Plans unveiled for Route 66 Research Center at UNM in Albuquerque
An award-winning architect recently unveiled plans for the federally funded Route 66 Research Center at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The center, part of UNM's library system and its Center for Southwest Research, will be housed in a former Cadillac dealership. Architect Mark Baker is behind the plans. Among his numerous award-winning projects … Continue reading Plans unveiled for Route 66 Research Center at UNM in Albuquerque
County receives $25,000 grant to repaint Rainbow Bridge near Riverton
Cherokee County, Kansas, recently received a $25,000 Attraction Development grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce to help repaint the Rainbow Bridge, aka the Marsh Arch Bridge, near Riverton. According to the Route 66 Association of Kansas, Gearhead Curios owner and association Vice President Aaron Perry and association newsletter editor Machelle Smith approached the county … Continue reading County receives $25,000 grant to repaint Rainbow Bridge near Riverton
National Trust announces latest round of Preserve Route 66 grant recipients
The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced its latest grants from its Preserve Route 66 program totaling $135,835. Among the grants awarded are preservation work on an Albuquerque building where Microsoft started, funds to pursue a National Register of Historic Places listing for the Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri, and an educational program about … Continue reading National Trust announces latest round of Preserve Route 66 grant recipients
New bill would create revolving loan fund for Route 66 in Oklahoma
A bill has been introduced in the Oklahoma Legislature that would end the expiration date of the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission and create a revolving loan fund for the highway. State Rep. Mark Lawson (R-Sapulpa), who also is House Majority Leader, introduced House Bill 1571 for the legislature's 60th session. He also wrote the bill … Continue reading New bill would create revolving loan fund for Route 66 in Oklahoma
Lebanon gets sponsorship for a 12-foot-tall, interactive Route 66 shield
The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission recently awarded the City of Lebanon a sponsorship worth up to $15,000 for an interactive Missouri Route 66 shield sign that will be 12 feet tall. Nearly a half-dozen others will be installed across the Show-Me State. Lebanon tourism director Rebecca Rupard announced the sponsorship during the annual meeting … Continue reading Lebanon gets sponsorship for a 12-foot-tall, interactive Route 66 shield
New owner of Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon promises no change in its look
The new owner of the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri, promised the Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society that the landmark motel's appearance would not change. Mark Bertel, founder and CEO of the Dels Corp., spoke via telephone to the society after high winds kept him from flying to Lebanon to attend its annual membership … Continue reading New owner of Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon promises no change in its look