ROUTE 66 CORRIDOR PRESERVATION PROGRAM

NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM – SANTA FE

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Early Route 66
1926-1932
officially designated through 1926 Federal Highway Act

connected a system of largely unpaved, existing roads

connected Midwest to isolated and predominantly

rural Southwest
Depression and WWII
1933 - 1945
Approximately 210,000 migrants traveled it during the Dustbowl

CCC / WPA workers assisted with building the highway

Used to mobilize military troops and supplies

during World War II
The Golden Years
1946 – 1960s
Mass western migration

Growth of automobile tourism

Boom of roadside commerce and suburban sprawl

Decline
1960s - 1985

Increased traffic

Faster automobiles

Construction of Eisenhower
Interstate System

Route 66 decommissioned in 1985

(replaced by 5 interstates)
What made Route 66 different
from other highways?
Defied grid system, was not a coast-to-coast
highway

Shortest all-weather highway

linking Chicago to LA

Building of a myth/legend
Books/Film -
Grapes of Wrath
Television –
Tod, Buz, and the corvette
Lesser known stories

Layers of history
Bloody 66
Road of Flight
Segregation
Public Concern/Action
1985 - present

By-passed towns decline

Route 66 advocacy groups organize

85% still driveable, placement of historic Route 66 signs

Congress passes Route 66 Corridor Preservation Act in 1999

National Park Service preservation program established in 2001

(sunsets in 2009)
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

ƒ Focused on preservation of transportation-related

properties such as motels, gas stations, cafes, road
segments, and cultural landscapes that existed during
the period of significance between 1926 and 1970

ƒ Provides technical assistance and cost-share grants

for the most significant and representative historic
resources along Route 66

ƒ Works with partners in setting priorities for the

preservation of historic resources
Cafes/Restaurants
Motels
Gas Stations / Garages
Road Segments and Associated Features
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

“The Secretary (of Interior) shall assist in the preservation

of the Route 66 corridor in a manner that is consistent
with the idiosyncratic nature of the Route 66 corridor”
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

ƒ The Act also states:

“The Secretary (of Interior) shall develop a program of

technical assistance in the preservation and interpretation
of the corridor.”
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

Why interpretation?

Through interpretation comes understanding

Through understanding comes appreciation

Through appreciation comes stewardship

Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

Interpretive media (museums, waysides, brochures, etc.) serve

as a catalyst to provide interpretive opportunities for the visitor
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

The Interpretive Process

Provide opportunities for the visitor

to forge intellectual and emotional connections
to the values inherent in the resource
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

How?

Personal services – guided tours, campfire talks, etc.

Non-personal services – media: museum exhibits

wayside exhibits
brochures
maps
films, DVDs, audio
IDENTIFICATION OF EXISTING
INTERPETIVE MEDIA
The resources of the road provide an
interpretive opportunity
Guidebooks/maps
Visitor centers/rest stops
Wayside exhibits
Independent and city museums
Larger museums
Other interpretive media

newsletters
Magazines
Video/DVD
Use of the logo
Signs/markers provide orientation to the
interpretive opportunities
Neon signs enhance visitor
experience
Oral Histories provide material for
interpretation
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING
INTERPRETATION
Positive aspects Challenges

mix of local & regional z comprehensive

perspectives planning
authentic z communication
unpredictable z conservation
national and conditions
international visitors z exhibit/message
development
RESPONSE BY
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

9Inventory

9Historical contexts

9NPS interpretive standards

9Technical assistance

9Cost-share grants
Compile inventory of interpretive media
Create historic contexts

•State historic contexts

•National historic contexts

•National Register nominations

•National Register Travel Itinerary

Clearinghouse / technical assistance

Resource guides
List server groups
Review of interpretive plans/brochures
Site visits at museums/waysides
 Cost-share grants

Examples:

•Oral history project

•Northern Arizona
University Route 66 theatre