Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit in Lebanon, MO

Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit in Lebanon
2/5: 10 am – 6 PM
5 PM Panel Discussion with documentarian Katrina Parks, Missouri Route 66 Association CFO Larry Sernyk and educational curriculum developer Kari Kussmann
2/6: 10 am – 4 PM
School Groups Welcome. Please email esemsch@lebanon-laclede.lib.mo.us
Free and open to the public.

Celebrating the rich legacy of the Mother Road, America’s Main Street, the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit will be on view in Lebanon, Missouri on February 5 and 6, 2026. The exhibit marks two major milestones: the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The exhibit will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6.

Drawing from the documentary film series Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road by project director Katrina Parks, the traveling exhibit combines large-format interpretive panels, audiovisual materials, and educational activities designed for youth and family audiences. Together, these elements invite 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. From the glow of neon signs to the steady hum of tires on open pavement, every mile of Route 66 tells a story of opportunity, invention, and freedom. For nearly a century, the road has drawn visitors from around the world and continues to hold countless stories waiting to be uncovered.

On Thursday, February 5 at 5:00 p.m., the public is invited to attend a panel discussion featuring project director Katrina Parks, educational curriculum developer Kari Kussmann, and Missouri Route 66 Association Chief Financial Officer Larry Sernyk. The discussion will explore the historical significance of Route 66, the origins of the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit, and the importance of education and preservation as the nation approaches the Route 66 centennial.

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 Lebanon-LaClede County Library 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.

For more information about exhibit hours, programming, or upcoming tour locations, please visit www.route66exhibit.com.