Illinois State Museum to Highlight Women’s Stories from Route 66 in Virtual Centennial Event (Springfield, IL) – The Illinois State Museum will spotlight the often-overlooked role of women along historic U.S. Route 66 during a virtual presentation scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, as part of a national series marking the highway’s upcoming centennial.
The free online session, set for 1 p.m., will feature historian and author Cheryl Eichar Jett, who will discuss the contributions of women along the famed roadway known as the “Mother Road.” Jett’s presentation draws from her forthcoming book, Aprons Away: Women’s Work on Route 66, which examines the many ways women helped shape the culture and commerce of communities along the historic route.
The program is part of the Centennial Speaker Series, “Route 66 at 100 – An American Story,” a nationwide effort highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the highway as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026.
Organizers say the series brings together historians, authors and preservation advocates to share research and personal stories tied to Route 66. Through these discussions, participants can gain a deeper understanding of the road’s lasting impact on American history and culture.
The Centennial Speaker Series is organized through Research Route 66, a collaboration led by the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership. The initiative also includes archives, libraries and museums along the historic corridor, including the Illinois State Museum.
The program has been officially recognized as a Route 66 Centennial Activity by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission.
Research Route 66 aims to preserve the historical record of the iconic highway while making research materials accessible to the public for education, preservation and stewardship of the historic corridor.
Registration information and a full list of upcoming events in the speaker series can be found at speakers.researchroute66.org.
Founded in 1877, the Illinois State Museum is headquartered in Springfield and operates additional facilities in Lewistown and Lockport. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, promoting exploration of Illinois’ past and present to enrich public understanding and stewardship of cultural and natural resources.
Illinois State Museum to Highlight Women’s Stories from Route 66 in Virtual Centennial Event
