The Google Arts & Culture Route 66 Storytelling Hub has been designated an official Route 66 Centennial Project sanctioned by the Route 66 Centennial Commission.
This exciting new digital experience brings the rich history, culture, and communities of America’s iconic Mother Road to life through immersive storytelling, photographs, and archival materials.
Approved by the Centennial Commission in 2024, the project officially launched this week in collaboration with Google Arts & Culture, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and numerous local Route 66 organizations. The launch was celebrated on Wednesday, October 29, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
“The launch of the Google Arts & Culture Route 66 Storytelling Hub marks a major milestone in our collective efforts to share the enduring story of Route 66 with audiences around the world,” said Bill Thomas, Chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and Commissioner on the Route 66 Centennial Commission. “This project celebrates not only the highway’s historic past but also its living legacy; the people, places, and communities that continue to make Route 66 a vibrant and inspiring part of our shared heritage.”
The Route 66 Storytelling Hub offers visitors a dynamic way to explore the 2,448-mile journey from Chicago to Santa Monica through multimedia exhibits, personal stories, and rare imagery. It highlights the Mother Road’s role in shaping American identity, promoting small-town economies, and inspiring generations of travelers.
The Oklahoma City launch event featured representatives from Google Arts & Culture, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Route 66 community, showcasing months of collaborative work and creative contributions from preservationists, historians, and local storytellers.
“This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration and innovation,” added Thomas. “By combining Route 66’s grassroots spirit with Google’s global reach, we are ensuring that the story of the Mother Road continues to inspire people everywhere; not just today, but for the next hundred years.”
