Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit in Cuba
In celebration of both the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and America’s 250th birthday, the “Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit” (“Exhibit”) will bring the stories and images of the Mother Road to life across Missouri. The Exhibit includes a stop in Cuba, Missouri from May 3–Sept. 14, 2026. All events are free and family-friendly.
The Exhibit features nearly two dozen large-scale interpretive panels, audiovisual mini-documentaries, and educational components highlighting the diverse stories of Missourians connected by Route 66.
“From the glow of neon signs to the steady hum of tires on open pavement, every mile of Route 66 tells a story,” said exhibit organizer and documentarian Katrina Parks, of Assertion Films. “For nearly a century, the road has drawn visitors from around the world and continues to hold countless stories waiting to be uncovered. The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit brings these stories to life and highlights the humanity of the Mother Road from a variety of perspectives.”
Drawing from Parks’ acclaimed PBS documentary film series, Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road, the traveling exhibit invites visitors to explore how Route 66 shaped American history, culture, and identity through the stories of the people who lived, worked, and traveled along it.
On Sunday, May 3 the Crawford County Historical Society will host a special free opening event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. featuring live music, food from “Taste of Cuba” restaurants, and a panel discussion at 1 p.m. to include author Joe Sonderman, who will sell and sign books, Cherokee historian Galen Gritts and other special guests sharing history and their travels along Route 66. On Monday, May 4th, area schools are invited to bring students for special guided tours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. School groups are asked to RSVP in advance to: info@visitcubamo.com. The Historical Society is located at 308 N. Smith in Cuba, Missouri.
The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit is made possible with support from the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission, Missouri Humanities, the Missouri Route 66 Association, the Gillioz, and many other institutions. The exhibit will continue to travel to communities along the Mother Road, highlighting local histories while connecting them to the broader national story.
Additional exhibit stops will be in Pacific, Missouri on Sept. 16 and 17, Carthage, Missouri on Sept. 18–20 and the St. Louis County Library.
For more information please visit www.route66exhibit.com or contact Katrina Parks at info@assertionfilms.com.
