Google Arts & Culture Route 66 Storytelling Hub Launches
As the Mother Road prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2026, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Google Arts & Culture, in partnership with over 20 organizations, have launched a storytelling hub like no other. From a former filling station in Luther, Oklahoma, a motel in Shamrock, Texas, to a Mexican restaurant in San Bernardino, California, Route 66 has so many stories to tell, and now you can experience a few of those stories with a few clicks on your laptop or smart phone.
The Google Arts & Culture Route 66 project, built in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, takes you from the familiar - roadside attractions and natural wonders - to hidden histories and first-hand accounts from business owners with deep roots on this enduring road. Woven through these narratives is a recognition that preservation creates community, ensuring that these places continue to fascinate visitors for the next hundred years.
The project, which was publicly launched at a well-attended event at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, features more than 130 stories. This project showcases the power of this singular highway and the full history of its communities - stories that make Route 66 a must-see destination for visitors from across the globe. Google has also created a special “pit stop” highlighting the arts and culture of Oklahoma City. In partnership with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and other key organizations in the city, the Oklahoma City chapter is a celebration of the city’s vibrant cultural DNA.
“Preservation isn’t just about brick-and-mortar,” said Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and Manager of the Preserve Route 66 Initiative with the National Trust. “It’s about people. It’s about stories. It’s about finding ways to connect with the next generation of caretakers. We are so excited about this new, innovative way to highlight what makes Route 66 truly special: the people.”
The initial stories published by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association include the work of the US 66 Highway Association, which was founded by Cyrus Avery in Tulsa in 1927 and sustained through the efforts of Jack and Gladys Cutberth in Clinton into the late 1970s. There’s also a story about Hugh Davis of Catoosa and his Nature’s Acres park, which led to the famous Blue Whale. And there’s a story about Bob Waldmire, Route 66’s itinerant artist that is strongly connected with the road’s revitalization era. More stories will be built and shared over the coming months.
The Route 66 project on Google Arts & Culture is also Official Route 66 Centennial Project as recommended by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. Join in the celebrations and explore today at https://goo.gle/route66! Check out a short video below that talks a bit more about the project and gives a preview of the Route 66 Rewind feature.
