Route 66 Oral History Project

100 Years on Route 66

Route 66 was launched in 1926. It grew to be one of the most travelled highways in the nation. It spanned 2,400 miles and eight states from Illinois to California. Route 66 linked big cities and small towns. It had a huge impact on American history and culture. During the Great Depression, many people moved west along the highway. During WWII, Route 66 moved people and supplies across the country. Route 66­ is a symbol of freedom and opportunity for many people in the United States. For others, it was a road of challenges and hardship. Today, it lives on as a vibrant tourist attraction and an important reminder of shared history.

About the Project

The Illinois State Museum Route 66 Oral History Project is a collection of 100 oral interviews. Many of the subjects lived, worked, and traveled along Route 66 in its heyday.  Many others have worked or are working to preserve and interpret the Mother Road.

Museum team members conducted these oral histories between 2024 and 2025. They are being launched in connection with the 100^th anniversary of Route 66. We hope they will help people learn about Route 66 and its impact on America’s people, history, and culture.

Bob Waldmire, artist. Courtesy of Buz Waldmire

Research and Citation

The interviews cover topics related to Route 66 in its heyday. Many interviews also cover preservation, promotion, and travel along the road.

The oral histories are organized alphabetically. Each interview is available in both video recording and written transcript formats. Use the word search function to call up all interviews related to your search term. Each interview’s transcript is also word searchable.

Accommodations    
California
Eating
Gangsters

Great Depression
Great Migration
Green Book
Historic Preservation

Hitchhiking
Mishaps
Music
Roadside Attractions

Safety
Tourism
Working
World War II