State Historical Society of Missouri seeks memorabilia for Route 66’s centennial

Though the start of Route 66’s centennial is still more than three years away, the State Historical Society of Missouri has put out an appeal to the public for items to celebrate that event.

The society stated in a news release it launched the initiative “focused on preserving the road’s history within the state.”

Examples of items the Society seeks to collect include photographs, postcards, film and home videos along the route, records of roadside businesses, oral histories of people who traveled or worked along the road, small souvenirs or artifacts, artwork, and architectural drawings of iconic structures and places.

“We’re very interested in stories and materials ranging from the road’s origins to its peak period in Missouri (circa 1926-1960) to its decline following the rise of the Interstation Highway system,” said Kathleen Seale, coordinator of the State Historical Society’s Rolla and Springfield Research Centers.

Anyone who has items to donate to the Route 66 in Missouri collection should complete the SHSMO Materials Donation Form.

Route 66’s centennial is in 2026. Many experts fix Nov. 11, 1926, as the birthdate, when the federal government commissioned it and other U.S. highways.

A few sources claim April 30, 1926, when highway officials in Springfield, Missouri, assigned the number 66 to the Chicago-to-Los Angeles road.

(Image of a Route 66 sign in Missouri by Tony Hisgett via Flickr)

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