The New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe recently unveiled a mural that commemorates Route 66's centennial this year. Albuquerque artist Molly Mendenhall created the artwork, titled “Mother Road Coming into Color," reported KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. She came up with the idea to depict the changing landscape of New Mexico through time, largely defined by … Continue reading New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe unveils Route 66 centennial mural
Tag: Route 66 centennial
New Mexico Route 66 Alliance announces official launch
Citing a need to "ensure New Mexico’s 526-mile stretch of the Mother Road is preserved, promoted, and positioned for long-term sustainability" during its centennial year, the New Mexico Route 66 Alliance officially announced its launch on Jan. 2. The launch also illustrates the split within the New Mexico Route 66 Association that occurred in March … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Alliance announces official launch
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
Holiday leftovers
Here are a few items that have crossed the Route 66 News desk in recent weeks: --- The board of directors of the Route 66 Mother Road Festival distributed $10,000 to five local charities in the Springfield, Illinois, area. For the first time in the event’s history, funds generated by the festival were distributed to … Continue reading Holiday leftovers
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville sports teams will play at least one game as the 66ers
Sports teams at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville will play at least one game in 2026 with a new nickname -- the 66ers -- to celebrate Route 66's centennial. The alter ego of the teams -- which normally are called the Cougars -- will begin on New Year's Day with men's and women's basketball games, reported the … Continue reading Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville sports teams will play at least one game as the 66ers
Groundbreaking set for Dec. 11 on Hub City Gateway in Clinton
A ceremonial groundbreaking will be held on Dec. 11 for the Hub City Gateway, a Route 66 landmark that will welcome travelers into Clinton, Oklahoma, and mark an original section of the historic highway. The project will feature a two-sided gateway that spells “Clinton” for travelers in one direction and “Route 66” in the other, … Continue reading Groundbreaking set for Dec. 11 on Hub City Gateway in Clinton
“Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time” named an official centennial initiative
In celebration of the approaching centennial of the Mother Road, “Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time,” by teen photographer Anthony Schmidt, has been designated an official Route 66 Centennial Project. The designation recognizes the project’s commitment to celebrating, preserving and reimagining the legacy of Route 66 as it enters its second century. … Continue reading “Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time” named an official centennial initiative
Oklahoma announces plans for Route 66 centennial celebration
As the Mother Road marks its 99th anniversary, Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission this week unveiled early plans and programming for the Route 66 centennial in 2026. The yearlong celebration will spotlight Oklahoma’s role in preserving and promoting one of America’s most storied highways. The announcement kicks off … Continue reading Oklahoma announces plans for Route 66 centennial celebration
Rand McNally named Official Map Provider for Route 66 Centennial
Rand McNally Publishing was recently named the Official Map Provider for the Route 66 Centennial. As North America's leading map and navigation company since 1872, Rand McNally will produce the Official Route 66 Centennial Anniversary Map — the definitive resource honoring the Mother Road's 100th Anniversary. This Centennial map will serve as both a travel … Continue reading Rand McNally named Official Map Provider for Route 66 Centennial
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