Springfield, IL – In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026, the Illinois State Museum has launched an online database of 100 oral histories about the Mother Road. Interviewees include people who lived, worked, and traveled along 66 during its pre-interstate heyday as well as people who currently promote, preserve, and interpret the road for current and future generations.
The database, viewable at www.illinoisstatemuseum.org/welcome-ism-springfield/illinois-route-66.html, contains videotaped interviews as well as world-searchable written transcriptions.
“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,” said Erika Holst, the museum’s curator of history and co-organizer of the project. “We know that Route 66 students and enthusiasts are going to learn so much from these interviews. There are so many details to be found that you just can’t find in books.”
Route 66 was commissioned in 1926. At the time it was advertised as the shortest, best, and most scenic route between Chicago and Los Angeles. It was the major thoroughfare to the West Coast for decades until the creation of the federal interstate system. After a revival of interest in the late 20th century, Route 66 has evolved into a popular road trip route drawing millions of visitors from around the world each year.
“The interviews run the gamut from childhood memories of traveling the road on family vacations to a state trooper patrolling the road at night,” said Amanda Bryden, the museum’s registrar of history and co organizer of the project. “They range from humorous and hopeful to tragic and tense. We are honored to be stewards of these stories and are excited to share them with the public.”
This project was made possible through the support of the Illinois State Museum Society and a grant from the National Park Service’s Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program.
About the Illinois State Museum:
Established in 1877, the Illinois State Museum is a dynamic institution that inspires the exploration of Illinois’ past and present to inform and enrich everyday life and promote stewardship of cultural and natural resources. Headquartered in Springfield with branch facilities in Lewistown and Lockport, ISM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and a proud member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
