Lighting ceremony set for May 1 for three historic Route 66 neon signs in Williams

Margaret Hangan, chairwoman of the Historic Preservation Commission for the City of Williams, Arizona, announced a lighting ceremony scheduled for 7:15 p.m. local time on May 1 for three historic neon signs along the city's Route 66 corridor. The neon signs that were restored belong to the Turquoise Teepee, Canyon Club, and the World Famous Sultana Bar. The … Continue reading Lighting ceremony set for May 1 for three historic Route 66 neon signs in Williams

Michael Wallis, Rhys Martin, Ken Busby to be part of latest Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series

"Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis, Route 66 Alliance Executive Director and CEO Ken Busby and Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and National Preserve Route 66 manager with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will preside over this month's edition of the Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series. The livestream … Continue reading Michael Wallis, Rhys Martin, Ken Busby to be part of latest Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series

Hotel Beale neon sign in Kingman to be relighted on May 2 as part of Fun Run after-party event

The historic Hotel Beale neon sign in Kingman, Arizona, will be relighted for the first time in more than 40 years during an after-party event of the Route 66 Fun Run at 7:30 p.m. on May 2. After the ceremony, there will be live music, a beer garden and dancing in the parking lot at … Continue reading Hotel Beale neon sign in Kingman to be relighted on May 2 as part of Fun Run after-party event

Rhys Martin named Tulsan of the Year by TulsaPeople Magazine

Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, manager of the Preserve Route 66 Initiative and a member of numerous other Route 66 groups, earned the annual Tulsan of the Year honor by TulsaPeople Magazine. The magazine chose Martin because of his years of advocacy for Route 66 -- especially with its centennial starting … Continue reading Rhys Martin named Tulsan of the Year by TulsaPeople Magazine

Rockwood Motor Court inducted into Historic Hotels of America

The Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri, announced it has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America,, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States. Rockwood Motor Court is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country recognized by … Continue reading Rockwood Motor Court inducted into Historic Hotels of America

Three classic neon signs in Williams receive $35,000 in grants for restoration

Two grants totaling $35,000 will help restore three neon signs along the Route 66 corridor of Williams, Arizona. The neon signs that will be restored belong to the Turquoise Teepee, Canyon Club, and the World Famous Sultana Bar -- all along that city's Route 66 corridor. The Williams News (subscription required) reported that a $25,000 grant from the … Continue reading Three classic neon signs in Williams receive $35,000 in grants for restoration

La Fonda president wins Hotelier of the Year award

Rik Blyth, president of La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was recently given the Hotelier of the Year honor from Historic Hotels of America, a program for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The 27th annual honor is awarded to those who demonstrate "the highest contribution to furthering the celebration of … Continue reading La Fonda president wins Hotelier of the Year award

Google Arts & Culture Route 66 Storytelling Hub goes live

The Google Arts & Culture Route 66 Storytelling Hub was recently designated as an official Route 66 Centennial Project sanctioned by the Route 66 Centennial Commission.  This new digital experience brings the history, culture and communities of America’s Mother Road to life through immersive storytelling, photographs and archival materials. Here's a video about the online project: https://youtu.be/XjCyd4RSWQA?si=FBSW8-bnMk5QbBOd Here … Continue reading Google Arts & Culture Route 66 Storytelling Hub goes live

Rock Cafe, Ike’s Chili among recipients of Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants

Several eateries along Route 66 will receive $50,000 each from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant program. The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced the 50 recipients on Monday. Among the Route 66 restaurants are: Rock Cafe, Stroud, Oklahoma (since 1939) Ike's Chili, Tulsa (since 1908) The Barn - Route 66, Newberry Springs, California (since … Continue reading Rock Cafe, Ike’s Chili among recipients of Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants

$25,000 grant awarded to support Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit

The Missouri Humanities Council awarded a $25,000 grant to the Route 66 Association of Missouri in support of a project titled “The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit” and an $8,000 grant to support programs associated with the project. “The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit” celebrates the legacy of the Mother Road and its role in … Continue reading $25,000 grant awarded to support Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit