Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton to Host Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction and Exhibit Opening

CLINTON, Okla. — On Saturday, July 9, 2022, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum will host the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the opening of a new exhibit, “Route 66 Transitions, 1981–1991: Jerry McClanahan’s First Decade of Route 66 Photography.”

Beginning at 2 p.m., the Oklahoma Route 66 Association will induct two special Oklahomans into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame. Inductions are held every two years for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion or preservation of Route 66. The winners’ plaques will be unveiled with the others on display in the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum’s Hall of Fame, located in the WOW! exhibit room.

Immediately following the induction, the museum will hold an opening for the “Route 66 Transitions, 1981–1991: Jerry McClanahan’s First Decade of Route 66 Photography” exhibit. McClanahan is a noted Route 66 authority, artist and photographer. He first began photographing and mapping the route in 1981 on a trip from Texas back to visit his boyhood home in southern California. McClanahan captured many lost and forgotten scenes during this decade of decline and revival, some of which are presented in this exhibit for the first time.

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is located at 2229 W. Gary Blvd. in Clinton. The museum galleries present the history and legends of Route 66 through the decades.

For additional information, please contact Pat Smith at 580-323-7866 or email rt66mus@okhistory.org.

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.