Lake County Gazette

With the Route 66 centennial approaching in 2026, the Illinois State Museum is seeking individuals who had interactions with the iconic highway before its decommissioning in 1985. By the 1980s, Route 66 had been replaced by various Interstate highways connecting Chicago, Los Angeles, and other points along its path. Today, U.S. Route 66 is marked as a “Historic Route” in Illinois, with brown signs indicating its historical significance. Numerous state and local installations, including sites maintained by private entities, celebrate this historic roadway.

The museum's history staff is calling on people with ties to Route 66 to reach out via email. Potential contributors include:

- Individuals with memories of driving on Route 66.

- Those who recall operating or witnessing family-operated car-related businesses along the highway. This includes restaurants, hotels, and auto service businesses.

- Workers involved in building, maintaining, or rerouting Route 66.

- First responders stationed along or near the highway.

Volunteers may be asked to participate in interviews and video recordings. Their stories could be shared online for public viewing. As the starting point for westward travel on Route 66, Illinois aims to solidify its status as a foundational state of this historic route.