Projects

Discover the California Historic Route 66 Association’s projects—from past grants and preservation to upcoming work.

Keeping the Spirit of Route 66 Alive in California

The California Historic Route 66 Association is involved in a variety of meaningful projects, all rooted in our love for preserving, protecting, and sharing the story of California’s Route 66.

From promoting a musical highway to grant mentoring, enhanced membership activities, caravans, preservation efforts, Doors Open California participation, Route 66 corridor management, and Google Arts & Culture, each project helps keep the spirit of the road alive in a unique and important way.

Some efforts focus on saving places and history. Others celebrate the people, stories, and experiences that give Route 66 its lasting charm and meaning. Together, they help ensure that this road is not only remembered, but truly experienced.

Route 66 is more than a highway. It is a journey through memory, community, adventure, and wonder—and we are honored to help carry that legacy forward for generations to come.

GRANTS

The California Historic Route 66 Association (CHR66A) is pleased to assist in the preparation of grants supporting Route 66. The CHR66A prides itself on supporting projects not only through funding, but also by offering mentorship in select cases to help ensure long-term success.

We are devoted to the places, stories, and icons that define the Road. From historic buildings and roadside landmarks to cultural sites and community-driven initiatives, our mission is rooted in preservation and appreciation of California’s stretch of Route 66.

Grants are one of the primary ways we are able to carry this mission forward—helping to protect, restore, and celebrate the heritage of the Mother Road for future generations.

Recently Awarded Grants:

  • $50,000 to The Barn (funded by American Express) for preservation efforts.
  • $10,000 to the Bagdad Café in Newberry Springs, California for façade and signage repair.
  • $10,000 to the Downtown Business Association in Barstow, California for paint and exterior lighting improvements.
  • $5,000 to Route 66 Revitalization in Victorville, California for the restoration and relocation of The Trails Restaurant neon sign.
  • $10,000 to the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California for exterior improvements.
  • $10,000 to KVCR Public Media in San Bernardino, California for a documentary project related to Lopez v. Seccombe.
  • $10,000 to the Mitla Café in San Bernardino, California for HVAC work.
  • $10,000 to Claremont Heritage in Claremont, California for a historic documentation project.
  • $10,000 to Pashgian Brothers in Pasadena, California for restoration of their historic billboard.
  • $10,000 to the June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives in West Hollywood, California for a digital mapping project.
  • $10,000 to Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. in Santa Monica, California for a Route 66 beautification project.

Learn More: Send an email to CHR66A@Route66CA.org with ‘Grant Info’ in the subject line to be invited to the next webinar.

CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN

California Historic Route 66 Association partnered with the Bureau of Land Management to create a Corridor Management Plan.  This comprehensive document outlines strategies to protect and enhance the intrinsic qualities along the roadway.  It is a requirement for a National Scenic Byway.

CALIFORNIA HISTORIC ROUTE 66 NEEDLES TO BARSTOW NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

America’s Byways is a collection of America’s most important roadways, designated as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads and administered by the Federal Highway Administration. We are proud that the portion of California Route 66 between Needles and Barstow was designated as a National Scenic Byway on February 16, 2021 –  one of only 8 in California.

You can find more information about this and other scenic drives at the National Scenic Byway Association: Travel Byways

A MUSICAL HIGHWAY ON CALIFORNIA ROUTE 66

CHR66A is part of a team planning a Musical Highway along Route 66 in Barstow, just outside of the Marine Corps Logistic Base.  A Musical Highway is series of carefully calibrated rumble strips that will play the Marine Hymn when driven on at a specific speed.  We hope to raise funds for this project that salutes the Centennial of Route 66, honors our military members, and is a salute to America’s 250. 

 

You can find out more information here:  

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