The National Historic Route 66 Federation is the worldwide, nonprofit organization dedicated to directing the public's attention to the importance of U. S. Highway Route 66 in America's cultural heritage and acquiring the federal, state and private support necessary to preserve the historic landmarks and revitalize the economies of communities along the entire 2,400-mile stretch of road.

The Federation accomplishes these goals through public education, advocacy and membership activities. Public outreach strategies include publication of the quarterly magazine Federation News, the Adopt-A-Hundred Preservation Program, the presentation of the Steinbeck Award for Preservation and the Cyrus Avery Award for state preservation projects, a worldwide web site, the Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide, the EZ 66 GUIDE For Travelers, special events and assistance to the media, authors, learning institutions and production companies.

The Federation is continually involved in ongoing preservation projects along the entire length of Route 66. These projects take many forms ranging from stopping commercial rock stripping in an Arizona canyon to saving a vintage gas station in Illinois. Some of the major programs include:

The National Route 66 Corridor Preservation Act

In 1999, the National Route 66 Preservation Bill was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton. The act provides $10 million in matching fund grants to individuals, corporations and communities for the purpose of preserving or restoring historic properties along the legendary route. The Federation spearheaded this bill for over four years and is now working with the Dept. of the Interior to issue these grants. We will begin to develop a second Route 66 Preservation Bill that will provide considerably more money.

The Adopt-A-Hundred Program

Our Adopt-A-Hundred Program has proven to be very well received. The program utilizes 27 volunteer members who take responsibility for 100 mile stretches of the route. They tour their stretches at least twice a year looking for possible preservation problems and if found, report them to the Federation for follow up. All 2,400 miles of road have now been adopted.

Route 66 Visitor Center/Museum Plan

Although funding is critically important to the preservation of the road, nothing will ultimately succeed without increased tourist traffic. The plan that we are developing is full signage along the old road, Regional Route 66 Visitor Center/Museums positioned in communities that have suffered since being bypassed by the interstate, and signs along the interstate alerting motorists that the museums can be reached by taking the next off ramp. This increased traffic will improve the economic base in these hard hit communities. We are already working closely with the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville towards this end.

The John Steinbeck Award

Annually, the Federation, under the auspices of the John Steinbeck Foundation, presents the John Steinbeck Award. This award, named for the famed author of the epic novel, Grapes of Wrath much of which took place along Route 66, is presented to a person deemed by both organizations to have contributed significantly to the preservation of Route 66. The award is presented at a gala evening attended by hundreds each year.

The Cyrus Avery Award

This award is presented to an organization for a noteworthy preservation project on the route. It is named for Cyrus Avery who developed and promoted the original concept of Route 66. Organizations nominate their proudest achievement and the Federation selects the winner.

The Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide

The purpose of the guide is to encourage people to explore the route and to help them make the most of their journey. Every other year, those members who have adopted sections in our Adopt-A-Hundred Program travel their sections and review the dining and lodging establishments along them. Each facility is evaluated on 10 different criteria. Their detailed reports are then compiled and entered into the latest edition of the Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide which is sold by the Federation.

The EZ66 GUIDE For Travelers

Route 66 had many different and often complicated alignments through the years, and most are difficult to find. Each of these alignments are historic and offer their own unique glimpse into early roadside Americana. Since the Route was decommissioned by the Federal government between the 1960s and 1980s, it is not indicated on road signs or regular maps. There have been some efforts to erect signs in recent years but they have been only marginally successful. Therefore, it is essential to have a good guide to find it. This is why the Federation publishes the EZ66 GUIDE For Travelers.

Department of the Interior Oversight Council

We serve on the Dept. of the Interior's Route 66 Oversight Council. This federal council administers the funds and programs that apply to the preservation of Route 66.

Working with film, radio and television production companies, and reporters and authors

Every year numerous film, radio and television production companies, and reporters and authors from around the world prepare pieces about Route 66. Each need assistance in finding appropriate people, sources and locations. Often the work is extensive but we believe it is a valuable tool in educating people about the route.

Over 30 years ago, David Knudson drove from Chicago to California on Route 66. Fresh out of college, he had pocket change, plenty of dreams and no job. He stayed and eventually built a business in Los Angeles. But, he never forgot his trip out Route 66 with all the "fancy" motor courts, "exotic" trading posts and the aroma of sweet smoke from the pit barbecues. He couldn’t afford to stop at any of them, but he vowed one day, he'd travel down Route 66 again and buy some Indian moccasins, sample the great- smelling barbecue and stay in a few places with clean sheets.

In August of ‘94, his chance came. His wife, Mary Lou and he were in Chicago and decided to drive back to California. But, they couldn't find Route 66! It wasn't on any maps and the "66" road signs were long gone. The old road had been bypassed by an interstate highway over 20 years before stranding many of the once-thriving businesses and towns. Their deserted structures stood only as silent reminders of the days of "America's Glory Road".

By the time David and Mary Lou arrived home, they decided to sell their business interests and devote their time to trying to save as much as possible of the historic road before it was completely gone. The Federation was born.

How to Join the Federation
US residents
Non US residents

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Email: National Historic Route 66 Federation

National Historic Route 66 Federation
P.O. Box 1848, Dept. WS,
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352-1848
Phone: (909) 336-6131
FAX: (909) 336-1039

Copyright 1995 National Historic Route 66 Federation
All Rights Reserved