Total Requested Funds $327,500.00
Project Description: The Route 66 Neon Park is a collaborative project to restore and display original Route 66 neon signs in an immersive, free outdoor exhibit that celebrates and educates visitors about the historical and cultural significance of Route 66 in Oklahoma.
Rt 66 Story: Oklahoma boasts the longest drivable stretch of Route 66 in the country, spanning over 400 miles. This historic route played a crucial role in shaping Oklahoma’s economic and social landscape. To preserve and share this story, the Friends of the Oklahoma History Center and the Oklahoma Historical Society are seeking funds to fully restore original signs from across Oklahoma’s historic Route 66 and present them in an immersive outdoor exhibit showcasing the iconic neon signage of Route 66. The Neon Park features ten original Route 66 neon signs and two mascots (Kip’s Big Boy and Shotgun Sam) that will be meticulously restored and displayed in a new park dedicated to celebrating the rich history of Route 66. The project will serve as an educational tool, a testament to Route 66’s history in Oklahoma, and an attraction for visitors traveling the route.
Preserving these historic neon signs is vital for several reasons. Neon signs are a vivid reminder of a time when Route 66 was a primary artery of American transportation, serving as a lifeline for small towns and fostering a unique roadside culture. The signs along Route 66 were not just advertisements; they were landmarks that guided travelers, offered respite, and created a sense of place and community. Each sign holds historical significance, telling the story of the local businesses, the people who ran them, and the travelers who visited them. By restoring and preserving these signs, we are safeguarding an integral part of Oklahoma’s heritage. This preservation work ensures that future generations can experience and appreciate the visual and cultural history of Route 66. Through a planned OHS endowment, the signs will receive regular upkeep and maintenance in perpetuity, ensuring that all preservation efforts are self-sustaining.
The Friends of the Oklahoma History Center is specifically seeking funds for the restoration of ten original neon signs and two mascots. The proposed park will be strategically located on Route 66, across from the State Capitol building, on the grounds of the Oklahoma History Center. As the state’s largest repository of artifacts, documents, and photographs related to Oklahoma history, and being a Smithsonian Affiliate, National Archives Affiliate, and an accredited museum through the American Alliance of Museums, the Oklahoma History Center is the ideal location for this project. It is also an official stop on the Oklahoma Route 66 Passport, making it a key destination for Route 66 travelers.
The park will feature ten iconic signs originally visible on Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66 from 1939-2016, all fully restored with neon lighting. Through educational text, these operational and illuminated signs will tell authentic stories of Route 66 through the real people and places that shaped Oklahoma’s history. Each sign will be accompanied by educational text sharing Route 66’s influence on Oklahoma communities.
To further immerse visitors in Route 66’s vibrancy, the park will include a walkthrough path to experience the neon signs, an Airstream-style bandstand for public concerts and events, and a bathroom facility modeled after a 1950s Phillips 66 Gull Wing service station, against a backdrop of vintage billboards. Each element of the park is designed to evoke the nostalgia, mystique, and sense of adventure that Route 66 inspired.
Route 66 brought significant change, opportunity, and connectedness to the communities it traversed. One hundred years later, and it remains a symbol of adventure, opportunity, and freedom. By restoring and preserving these signs, we are ensuring that future generations can experience and appreciate the visual and cultural history of Route 66. The Neon Park is not merely about preserving physical objects; it is about keeping the stories and spirit of Route 66 alive, protecting our cultural heritage, and celebrating the vibrant history of Oklahoma for years to come.