Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit – Springfield, MO Kickoff

Celebrating the rich legacy of the Mother Road, America’s Main Street, the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit will be on view in Springfield, Missouri on April 30- May 2, 2026. The exhibit marks two major milestones: the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

 

The exhibit will be FREE and open to the public:
Thursday, April 30, 11 AM – 7 PM
Friday, May 1, 11 AM – 9 PM
Saturday, May 2, 11 AM – 4 PM

 

THURSDAY SPECIAL PROGRAMMING:
3:00 p.m. – Join Kaisa Barthuli retired longtime program director for NPS’ Route 66 Corridor Preservation program, in conversation with Irv Logan and Elizabeth Calvin, who share the story of their grandmother Alberta Ellis and her hotel, a vital stop for Black travelers listed in the Green Book.

 

4:00 p.m. – Presentation by Kathleen Seale, SHSMO Rolla and Springfield Coordinator on the history of the Rotoscope film process developed by Missouri Route 66 entrepreneur Rowe Carney, Jr. of Rolla and his colleague Tom Smith of Urbana. Come see some rare footage and film equipment!

 

5:00 p.m. – Acoustic Performance by Township and Range

 

6:00 p.m. – Meet The People Behind the Exhibit: filmmaker Katrina Parks, producer Kari Kussmann, Missouri Route 66 Association CFO Larry Sernyk, and Missouri Route 66 Association President Jeremy Morris.

 

The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit is made possible with support from the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission, Missouri Humanities, the Missouri Route 66 Association, the Gillioz and many other institutions. The exhibit will continue to travel to communities along the Mother Road, highlighting local histories while connecting them to the broader national story.

 

For more information about exhibit hours, programming, or upcoming tour locations, please visit www.route66exhibit.com.