The Oklahoma Route 66 Association a few days ago announced it is replacing about a dozen "Roadside Attraction" signs erected by Hampton Inn at Route 66 sites across the state nearly 20 years ago. The association stated in a news release it was identifying the location, the sign's status and whether descriptive text needs to … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association replacing “Roadside Attraction” signs in state
Category: Museums
City officials consider plan to draw more visitors to Joplin History and Mineral Museum
City officials in Joplin, Missouri, gave initial approval to PGAV Destinations of St. Louis to examine the Joplin History and Mineral Museum and find ways to make it more attractive to potential visitors. I wouldn't necessarily say the Joplin Globe newspaper buried the lede, but the very last paragraph of its story stuck out: Because … Continue reading City officials consider plan to draw more visitors to Joplin History and Mineral Museum
Heartland of America Museum unveils exhibit of Cold War civil defense items
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
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