Cultural institutions across the United States are launching a series of exhibitions and preservation projects to commemorate the centennial of Route 66. From the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History to local galleries along the 2,448-mile corridor, these programs examine the highway's evolution from a vital migration artery to a kitschy symbol of Americana. The initiatives aim to provide a nuanced look at the road’s history, including the experiences of marginalized travelers who relied on the Green Book to navigate segregated landscapes.
This centennial programming marks a significant effort to recontextualize one of the most romanticized symbols of American identity through a contemporary curatorial lens. By treating the highway as a "linear museum," curators are bridging the gap between high art and vernacular culture, ensuring that the diverse and often difficult histories of the Mother Road are preserved for future generations. The scale of the collaboration highlights a growing trend of decentralized, multi-state cultural storytelling.