"Getting Your Kicks on Route 66: Tales from the Mother Road in Illinois" with Presenter Erika Holst
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Registration is required due to limited space.
https://whiteoak.librarycalendar.com/event/getting-your-kicks-route-66-tales-mother-road-illinois-presenter-erika-holst-77211
One hundred years ago, Route 66 was born. The famous federal highway was commissioned in 1926 and stretched 2,400 miles, connecting Chicago to California. Over the next century, millions of people traveled that ribbon of highway. Route 66 witnessed depression, war, boom times, and decline. The experiences it offered were as diverse and complicated as America itself.
This presentation explores the history of Route 66 and the experiences of everyday people who lived, worked, and traveled along the Mother Road during its heyday. It is informed by a collection of 100 oral histories recently compiled by the Illinois State Museum. Attendees will hear in travelers’ own words what it was like to eat, sleep, and drive Route 66 “back in the day.” They will learn about discrimination faced by Black travelers on Route 66 and the strategies they employed to ensure safety and dignity while traveling. And they will learn about the differences in road travel in the mid-20th century vs. today.
At the end of the presentation, attendees will be invited to share their road trip memories and/or memories of Route 66.
This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme, the “Power of Place,” that helps us explore how our natural and built environment has shaped the settlement, migration, and the development of our state. The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.
Erika Holst is the Curator of History at the Illinois State Museum. Her most recent exhibition, opening May 2026, is Stories of 66, an exploration of living, working, and traveling on Route 66 in its heyday. Erika has worked in the public history field for more than 20 years, during which time she has curated more than a dozen exhibitions. She is passionate about sharing stories of people and history through material culture.
This is a partnership event with White Oak Library District and The Illinois State Museum.
Please note that the start time is 6:00pm. Thank you!
Disclaimer(s)
Patrons arriving more than 15 minutes after the program start time will lose their seat and/or not be able to participate.
https://whiteoak.librarycalendar.com/event/getting-your-kicks-route-66-tales-mother-road-illinois-presenter-erika-holst-77211
One hundred years ago, Route 66 was born. The famous federal highway was commissioned in 1926 and stretched 2,400 miles, connecting Chicago to California. Over the next century, millions of people traveled that ribbon of highway. Route 66 witnessed depression, war, boom times, and decline. The experiences it offered were as diverse and complicated as America itself.
This presentation explores the history of Route 66 and the experiences of everyday people who lived, worked, and traveled along the Mother Road during its heyday. It is informed by a collection of 100 oral histories recently compiled by the Illinois State Museum. Attendees will hear in travelers’ own words what it was like to eat, sleep, and drive Route 66 “back in the day.” They will learn about discrimination faced by Black travelers on Route 66 and the strategies they employed to ensure safety and dignity while traveling. And they will learn about the differences in road travel in the mid-20th century vs. today.
At the end of the presentation, attendees will be invited to share their road trip memories and/or memories of Route 66.
This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme, the “Power of Place,” that helps us explore how our natural and built environment has shaped the settlement, migration, and the development of our state. The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.
Erika Holst is the Curator of History at the Illinois State Museum. Her most recent exhibition, opening May 2026, is Stories of 66, an exploration of living, working, and traveling on Route 66 in its heyday. Erika has worked in the public history field for more than 20 years, during which time she has curated more than a dozen exhibitions. She is passionate about sharing stories of people and history through material culture.
This is a partnership event with White Oak Library District and The Illinois State Museum.
Please note that the start time is 6:00pm. Thank you!
Disclaimer(s)
Patrons arriving more than 15 minutes after the program start time will lose their seat and/or not be able to participate.
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Where is it happening?
201 W Normantown Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446-1383, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherWhite Oak Library District
