In preparation for the centennial celebration of Route 66 in 2026, the Illinois State Museum has unveiled a new resource that dives into the personal stories behind the famed "Mother Road." The museum has gathered 100 oral histories from those with deep connections to Route 66, capturing an array of experiences from its glory days before the rise of the interstate system to its current status as a cultural and historical icon that continues to draw in crowds from all over the globe.
The Route 66 Oral History Project provides public access to video interviews, complete with searchable written transcripts. Contributors to this vibrant database include former residents, business owners, and travelers who knew the road in its prime, as well as those dedicated to preserving Route 66's legacy for new generations. In a statement obtained by the Illinois State Museum, Erika Holst, ISM curator of history, highlighted, "These interviews provide a fascinating glimpse into what it was like to travel Route 66 back in the day, as well as perspectives from people who are working to promote the road today." She also noted the unique insights to be found that aren't available in traditional books.
Since its commissioning in 1926, Route 66 has transformed from a central corridor for westward migration to a symbol of Americana and road-tripping adventure. It originally cut a 300-mile path through Illinois, tracking alongside what is now Interstate 55. Despite being overshadowed by the federal interstate system over time, Route 66 has seen a resurgence in interest, with millions visiting each year to drive its storied route.
Highlights from the project's interviews cover a wide spectrum of human experience, as told by Amanda Bryden, ISM registrar of history. She told ISM, "The interviews run the gamut from childhood memories of traveling the road on family vacations to a state trooper patrolling the road at night." Bryden expressed that these narratives encompass everything from lighter, amusing anecdotes to moments of gravitas. This initiative is supported by both the Illinois State Museum Society and a grant from the National Park Service’s Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, reflecting its importance in both historical preservation and cultural enrichment.
About the Illinois State Museum: Founded in 1877 and headquartered in Springfield, the museum also operates branches in Lewistown and Lockport. With its dedication to promoting understanding of Illinois' history and natural resources, the museum not only functions as an educational institution but also as an advocate for environmental and cultural stewardship. The Illinois State Museum holds accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
