Missouri History Museum Opens Route 66 Exhibit

By Kaitlyn BIble, Excalibur Yearbook Staffer

The Missouri History Museum opened up an exhibit on June 25 about Route 66: Main Street through St. Louis. The exhibit is about the progression of Route 66 and shares stories of people who lived during the time when Route 66 was new.

“It’s interesting to know what Route 66 was like back in the day,” freshman Abagayle Johnson said.

Throughout the exhibit, there are many old cars setup to be driving down Route 66. There’re opportunities to grab an old telephone or put on headphones connected to a radio. They allow one to hear true stories about motels gaining popularity, travelers on their journeys, and some of the hardships people faced.

“The exhibit shows people how the road has grown since it was first made.”  

There are pictures of the road being transformed into what is is today. There is even a camper to look in to see the ways people on the road during the time lived. Toward the end of the exhibit, there’s a short video describing the road and showing visitors the states the road travels through. The video shares stories of those traveling through and stopping in Missouri.

“The exhibit seems like it’s a good way for people to learn about things that happened with and around a road most of us have driven on,” sophomore Matthew Amaan said.

The exhibit shares how the St. Louis area has changed since the creation of the road and get a chance to drive on the road that is right outside the museum. The Missouri History Museum’s Route 66 exhibit is something people of all ages can go experience. The museum has other exhibits that people can visit along with Route 66: Main Street through St. Louis

“The History Museum is close to people’s houses so going there is a good way to pass time,” freshman Jacey Cool said.