Projects

Discover the California Association’s projects—from grants and preservation to events and centennial celebrations.

Projects

Discover the California Association’s projects—from grants and preservation to events and centennial celebrations.

Projects

Welcome to our Projects page. Along with promoting the features of the Mother Road, our primary work is in preserving those historical features along the road for future generations to see and enjoy.

We are therefore proud of the projects that we currently have in process and have on the drawing board.

Without the help of the volunteers of our Association members, many of these projects cannot be done. Through the dedication and enthusiasm of our members, we are helping preserve the long road of Route 66 through California, each mile of the way.

The California Historic Route 66 Association (CHR66A) is pleased to announce that these grants
have recently been awarded. 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.

bridgearroyosecosldr5

Future Projects

The California Historic Route 66 Association always has an iron in the fire when comes to preserving the Mother Road. This is a summary of projects that are on the horizon that we hope to tackle.

What we look for in a Project

Projects that we take on can be as small as erecting a monument or as monumental as converting a big section of Route 66 into a National Scenic Byway, such as with our Corridor Management Plan.

We will be adding Project information in the near future. Be sure to check back often for updates. Want to know when the Projects page will be posted? Follow us on Twitter @Route66CA and be one of the first to know!

Our Projects

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 participation, Corridor Management, and Google Arts, 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.

The California Historic Route 66 Association (CHR66A) is pleased to announce that these grants
have recently been awarded. 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. View the Corridor Management Plan

CALIFORNIA HISTORIC ROUTE 66 NEEDLES TO BARSTOW NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

The National Scenic Byway Program is a collection of America’s most important roadways 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 at https://travelbyways.com

A MUSICAL HIGHWAY ON CALIFORNIA ROUTE 66

CHR66A is part of a team planning a Musical Highway along Route 66 in Daggett, 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:  

Search