Illinois State Museum featuring personal Route 66 stories for Mother Road’s 100th anniversary

In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of legendary Route 66 in 2026, the Illinois State Museum (ISM) has launched an online database of 100 oral histories about the Mother Road.

ISM’s Route 66 Oral History Project database includes video-recorded interviews, as well as world-searchable written transcriptions. Contributors include people who lived, worked and traveled along Route 66 during its pre-interstate heyday, as well as people who currently promote, preserve and interpret the road for current and future generations.

 “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, ISM curator of history and Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program co-organizer. “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. The route stretched about 300 miles through Illinois, following roughly the same path as what became Interstate 55 from Chicago to St. Louis.

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, ISM registrar of history and Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program co-organizer. “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.