Video from the start of the “Grapes of Wrath” tour

As we've reported, the National Steinbeck Center is marking the upcoming 75th anniversary of the publication of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." The trio who are traversing Route 66 for the center posted a film today about the first three days of their journey. You'll see a familiar face -- "Route 66: The Mother … Continue reading Video from the start of the “Grapes of Wrath” tour

Route 66 quilts featured at Powers Museum

A plethora of quilts featuring Route 66 will be displayed at the Powers Museum in Carthage, Mo., from today through Oct. 20. The exhibit not only includes the traveling Route 66 quilt show, based in Colorado, that was at the International Route 66 Festival in Joplin in August, but locally made quilts as well, said … Continue reading Route 66 quilts featured at Powers Museum

Vic Suhling sign will be relighted Oct. 26

The relighting of the soon-to-be-restored Vic Suhling / Gas for Less neon sign in Litchfield, Ill., will occur at dusk Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center, according to a release this week from the Neon Heritage Preservation Committee of the Route 66 Association of Missouri. The new museum, at 334 … Continue reading Vic Suhling sign will be relighted Oct. 26

“Twentysix Gasoline Stations” art book marks 50th anniversary

Los Angeles artist Ed Ruscha self-published his art photography book, "Twentysix Gasoline Stations," 50 years ago this year. Few would have predicted the book, which portrays 26 gas stations on Route 66 from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City, would have proved so influential to other artists. NPR posted this report on the book: Exceprts from … Continue reading “Twentysix Gasoline Stations” art book marks 50th anniversary

“The American Dream and the American Drive”

Longtime roadie Kathy Anderson produced this film for the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Okla. Using Route 66 as a springboard, it shows how highways evolved in the United States. You'll probably see a few familiar faces: The American Dream, The American Drive from Kathy Anderson on Vimeo. Anderson explained more of the … Continue reading “The American Dream and the American Drive”

Will Rogers Memorial Museum marks 75th anniversary

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Okla., is marking its 75th year this week. Rogers remains probably the most famous Oklahoman, despite nearly eight decades passing after his death in an Alaska plane crash. The "Diamond Jubilee" event is set from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the museum with performances by the Tulsa … Continue reading Will Rogers Memorial Museum marks 75th anniversary

Springfield museum extending Route 66 exhibit

If you missed the Route 66 exhibit at the History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Mo., you're in luck. This week, the museum announced, because of popular demand, "Woodruff's Dream: The Mother Road through Springfield" will be extended to Feb. 2. According to KOLR-TV: The Museum's special Route 66 has been on display since … Continue reading Springfield museum extending Route 66 exhibit

Video art project inspired by Route 66’s people

"Somewhere in Between: Los Angeles," a video project by Bia Gayotto at the Pasadena Museum of California Art, is inspired by people along Route 66 in the L.A. region, according to an article in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. The 20-minute two-screen piece places architectural, natural and suburban scenery against views of bi- and multi-cultural people … Continue reading Video art project inspired by Route 66’s people

“Songdogs: The Journey of Michael & Suzanne Wallis”

The Tulsa Historical Society is hosting an exhibit about "Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis and his wife Suzanne. If you can't see the exhibit, this video will be the next-best thing. The video was created by Ideaship Studios, based in Tulsa. (Image of Michael Wallis by Randy Lane, via Flickr)

Students’ Route 66 art on display at Tulsa Historical Society

Tulsa Public Schools students created about 80 pieces of art inspired by Route 66, and they're on display at the Tulsa Historical Society through Oct. 5, reported the Tulsa World. The art pieces depict landmarks such as the Blue Whale in nearby Catoosa, Admiral Twin Drive-In theater, and the historic 11th Street Bridge. Historical Society … Continue reading Students’ Route 66 art on display at Tulsa Historical Society