A Who’s Who of Route 66 Organizations
Route 66 is a highway that spans over 2,400 miles through eight states. As you might expect, there are a lot of various organizations at different levels dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and education related to this world-famous thoroughfare.
Below is a summary of the most active organizations in Oklahoma and nationally, their areas of focus, and links to more information. Please note that this is not comprehensive, but we are happy to add organizations that we may have missed. Thank you!
Local/Regional
The City of Tulsa created a citizen-led Commission in 2016 by Executive Order. Mayor Dewey F. Bartlett was following a recommendation by the city’s 2005 Route 66 Master Plan to create a body to help guide promotional efforts and economic development along the city’s 28-mile corridor (counting both alignments.)
Oklahoma Route 66 Midpoint Corridor
Towns between Oklahoma City and Tulsa banded together in 2023 to spearhead unified efforts for Route 66, including beautification, tourism efforts, and event coordination. The name comes from the fact that Wellston, Oklahoma is the middle point between the Kansas and Texas borders using Route 66.
State
That’s us! Founded in 1989, Oklahoma’s Route 66 Association is the only one in the eight Route 66 states created by legislative action. It remains the only statewide organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma. Each state along Route 66 has their own Association, though!
Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission
This Commission was created to organize efforts for the State of Oklahoma to commemorate and celebrate the 2026 Centennial of Route 66. It is led by Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell and is made up of representatives from various organizations and communities.
Oklahoma Route 66 Commission (Route 66 Revitalization Grant)
This separate Commission was created by the legislature in 2022 to disperse grant funds to enhance the state’s Route 66 corridor. It is funded with $6.6 million a year through the Centennial year of 2026.
National
The Alliance was founded in 2009 to, “give the route one unified voice” and has been involved in multiple initiatives to promote and coordinate efforts along Route 66. It is co-founded by Michael Wallis, Tulsa-based author and historian, and led by Ken Busby.
Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership
Established in 2016, with the support of the National Park Service and the World Monuments' Fund, The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership’s mission is to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national and international icon through partnerships focused on promotion, preservation, research and education, and economic development. The Partnership regularly brings together leaders from all eight state Associations to work on initiatives together.
National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
This program was established in 1999 but actually dates back to legislation passed in 1990 to study Historic Route 66 and recommend a program to help preserve it. This has been a significant educational resource and grant-making entity during the road’s revitalization era.
National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preserve Route 66 Initiative
The National Trust’s focused Route 66 efforts began in 2018 with a road trip to advocate for designation as a National Historic Trail. Several grant programs were established afterwards along with continued advocacy and technical assistance for Route 66 preservation.
US Route 66 Centennial Commission
he Route 66 Centennial Commission was established by Congress to study and recommend in a report to Congress activities that would be fitting and proper to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Mother Road of the United States, Route 66, in 2026. The Commission shall study activities that may be carried out by the Federal Government to honor Route 66, including potential ceremonies and celebrations, the production and publication of media or other materials, and the issuance of commemorative items.