On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and Preserve Route 66 Manager for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We explore the fascinating history and ongoing cultural impact of Route 66, and how this 2,448-mile linear village has driven economic growth and inspired travelers around the world for nearly a century. As Route 66 gears up for its Centennial Celebration, Rhys shares behind-the-scenes insights on managing a celebration of this magnitude, the creative events planned along the legendary highway, and how local and national organizations are working together to secure Route 66’s legacy for future generations.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

How Rhys became passionate about Route 66 and took on leadership roles in both local and national organizations dedicated to its preservation
Why Route 66 remains a powerful economic engine and cultural icon for communities
What makes the centennial celebration of Route 66 such a significant milestone
How planning such a widespread, multi-state centennial collaboration is managed
How communities along Route 66 have adapted to changes over time, reinventing themselves to stay vibrant and relevant after the highway was bypassed
Why increased communication and collaboration among state associations, local businesses, and international partners is crucial to ongoing success
What creative and large-scale events, like the Capitol Cruise and national caravans, are being organized to celebrate Route 66’s 100th anniversary
How the Route 66 experience builds authentic connections between travelers, communities, and cultures

Cultural Legacy of Route 66

Route 66 is a linear village, a chain of communities bound together by shared history and mutual destiny. Its legacy is evident in the preservation of historic theaters, vintage motels, quirky museums, and neon-lit diners, all lovingly maintained by local volunteers and business owners committed to keeping the legend alive. Over time, especially as interstates bypassed many towns, Route 66 evolved, communities that once faced decline have reinvented themselves as hubs of nostalgia and culture.

Planning the Centennial

With eight states and thousands of miles to coordinate, the Route 66 Centennial is a massive collaborative endeavor. Rhys shares how, since the 1980s, state Route 66 associations have formed a grassroots network, filling the organizational gap left when the federal designation was removed in 1985. These groups work together to create unified celebrations, coordinate marketing efforts, and share resources, exemplifying how communication and a shared purpose can overcome even vast geographical distances.

The centennial plans include an ambitious Capital Cruise in Tulsa, aiming for a Guinness World Record with over 3,000 classic cars, cross-country caravans, and international motorcycle tours. The centennial is as diverse and dynamic as the road itself.

Lessons in Partnership and Unity

At the heart of Route 66’s success is partnership, communication, and an ethos of shared benefit. What happens in Oklahoma brings value to New Mexico and Texas, and vice versa. The route becomes a metaphor for unity, proving that travel, when rooted in conversation and curiosity, can bridge differences and create genuine human connection.

Resources:

Website: https://oklahomaroute66.com/
Website: https://route66centennial.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oklahomaroute66
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj-jbzQdNt4g2eqSIqTG2mQ

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