New Route 66 exhibit opens in History Museum on the Square

History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, on Monday opened its latest exhibit, “Memories of the Mother Road: Birthplace of Route 66.”

The show will run through the end of the year.

Katy Rawlins, office manager for the museum, explained the show in an email:

The exhibit focuses on the route through Springfield and Greene County. We have photos and artifacts from businesses located along the route, including; service station pumps and uniforms, restaurant menus, A&W menu board, and much more. We also have photos and text explaining why Springfield is called the “Birthplace of Route 66.”

And the museum’s website states neon signs and music also will be featured in the show.

The historic Rock Fountain Court and Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, Steak ‘n’ Shake, Andy’s Frozen Custard and European Cafe are among the show’s sponsors. Longtime Route 66ers will know most of those names.

Here are images from the opening day:



The last Route 66 show at the museum a few years ago was very successful, so it’s understandable why it would want to do another one.

(Hat tip to Thomas Peters; images from Museum on the Square and Katy Rawlins)

3 thoughts on “New Route 66 exhibit opens in History Museum on the Square

  1. That is a really nice photo of the time period. I would like to have a 1000 piece puzzle made
    of it.

  2. This new museum is investing a lot of time and effort in its focus on local history and, especially, 66. The result is the kind of attraction to which both 66 enthusiasts and casual travelers will be drawn — and which will enrich local residents’ appreciation of their own history. I’m looking forward to seeing this exhibit at the annual Festival next month.

  3. I caught the Route 66 exhibit in St. Louis on it’s last weekend a couple of weeks ago. Then being able to see this Sunday was icing on the cake. If i’m not mistaken, there will be a permanent Route 66 exhibit in the new museum a couple of doors west when it is finsihed.

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