COMING SUMMER 2025

Connect66

Unveiling a new chapter of Route 66 — where history meets innovation

Preserving the Route 66 legacy
Powering the future

Reimagining Route 66.

Connect66 is a living breathing ecosystem—blending strategy, advanced technology, media, and real-world experiences—designed to restore the soul of the Mother Road by honoring its rich history while reimagining its future. We’re telling the story of the expansion of America—one story, one immersive interaction, one revival at a time—while empowering the Mother Road to thrive for generations to come.

Explore 66 App
66 Time Machine
Happenings
66 Vault
Route 66 Media
Centennial Celebrations
Connect66 Foundation
Connect66 Summits

The Connect66 Ecosystem

An ecosystem built to honor the past and power Route 66’s next 100 years.

Think of it like what Disney does. They don’t just make movies—they build worlds. Parks, platforms, stories, and systems working together. We’ve done the same—only for one of America’s most iconic cultural landmarks. The result is the Strata Tech Media Ecosystem (STME) — our proprietary model that connects strategy, technology, media, and real- world engagement into one cohesive system. It’s how we bring Route 66 to life in ways that are scalable, sustainable, and built to last

Explore the Connect 66 EcoSystem

Discover The Elements That Will Transform Route 66’s Past and Future

Because the Mother Road is more than its past—it’s about what comes next. Connect66 reimagines what Route 66 can be, ensuring its stories, businesses, and experiences thrive for generations to come.

Explore66 App

Navigate the road. Discover the story. Explore66 is your Route 66 travel companion — with turn-by-turn navigation, live events, local deals, hidden gems, and immersive history. Whether you're on the road or planning from home, it connects you to the people, places, and stories that make the Mother Road unforgettable.

66 Time Machine

Turn every mile into a moment. The 66Time Machine brings Route 66’s past to life through interactive challenges, geolocation-triggered stories, and augmented reality—all embedded in the Explore66 App. Learn, Play, Discover. Collect memories and unlock rewards as you journey through the history of Route 66.

Happenings

Your live window into the road. 66Happenings showcases events, local businesses, attractions, and special deals — rendered in real time inside the Explore66 App for travelers and on the web for those tuning in from afar. It’s the heartbeat of the Route, helping people discover what’s happening now and where to go next.

66 Vault

66Vault gathers stories, photos, documents, and videos from historians, museums, and travelers to preserve the legacy of Route 66. It’s a growing digital time capsule — accessible online and integrated into the Explore66 experience — where anyone can explore the past or contribute their own piece of it.

Route 66 Media

From docuseries to rally races and live concerts, Route 66 Media brings the Mother Road’s stories to screens around the world. Through original programming, legacy storytelling, and immersive production, we capture the characters, places, and energy that make Route 66 legendary.

Centennial Celebrations

The Route 66 Centennial marks a generational opportunity to celebrate America’s most iconic highway. Through coordinated festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and commemorative campaigns, we’re connecting communities, honoring the past, and inspiring a new era of travel, pride, and preservation along the Mother Road.

Connect66 Foundation

The nonprofit heart of the movement. The Connect66 Foundation safeguards Route 66’s heritage through education, preservation, and community support. From restoring landmarks to funding local projects and building immersive tools, it ensures Route 66 is remembered, revitalized, and ready for the next generation.

Connect66 Summits

The Connect66 Summits bring together visionaries and community leaders to shape the future of Route 66. These events explore ideas, celebrate achievements, and build strategies to ensure Route 66's legacy. Each summit creates space for dialogue, partnerships that drive progress across the road.

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Explore66 brings Route 66 to life like never before. Designed to enhance every mile with three powerful features to reimagine your journey.

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Explore 66 App

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Embark on a journey with smart navigation that transforms your Route 66 adventure. Our tools ensure you uncover the best of the Mother Road.

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Dive into the heart of Route 66’s vibrant culture. From local festivals to exclusive deals, Happenings keeps you connected to the pulse of the road.

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Immerse yourself in the stories, photos, and landmarks that define Route 66’s legacy, and embark on a an interactive journey through time.

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66Vault: Discover and Share History

Route 66 isn’t just a road—it’s a living story. See its history come to life. Add your own chapter.

SEE IT: EXPLORE ROUTE 66

Uncover Route 66’s Past.

  • Browse thousands of rare photos, videos, and artifacts.
  • Uncover lost stories & rediscover the Mother Road.
  • See Route 66 like never before—past & present.

SHARE IT: PRESERVE ROUTE 66 HISTORY

Introducing the 66Vault.

  • Upload your historic photos, videos & documents.
  • Contribute personal stories & Route 66 memories.
  • Help build the ultimate Route 66 archive.

Historic Photos

Vintage images and before/after shots capturing Route 66’s evolution.

Videos & Literature

Rare travel footage, newsreels, and books from Route 66 travelers.

Written Stories

Personal narratives from those who have lived and travel Route 66.

Audio Recordings

Oral histories, interviews, and classic Route 66 radio moments

Documents & Maps

Historic maps, letters, brochures, and official Route 66 documents

Cultural Artifacts

Photos or descriptions of neon signs, classic cars, menus, and Route 66 relics

66Happenings: What’s Happening On the Mother Road

Live events. Local deals. Places worth stopping for — all in real time.

66Happenings is your real-time companion to the road ahead, as well as a planning tool for anyone dreaming of the journey. Whether you’re currently on Route 66 or preparing from abroad, you’ll find everything from live events to local flavor, right at your fingertips.

66Happenings: What’s Happening On the Mother Road

Live events. Local deals. Places worth stopping for — all in real time.

66Happenings is your real-time companion to the road ahead, as well as a planning tool for anyone dreaming of the journey. Whether you’re currently on Route 66 or preparing from abroad, you’ll find everything from live events to local flavor, right at your fingertips.

For Travelers

  • Explore businesses, attractions, and hidden gems with listings
  • Discover live events, pop-ups, and celebrations along the Route
  • Catch local deals and seasonal specials
  • Get real-time updates based on your location
  • Make your trip more spontaneous, affordable, and fun

For Businesses & Attractions

  • Reach travelers instantly when they’re nearby
  • Promote offers, events, and updates in real time
  • Manage your listing with photos, hours, links, and more
  • Get featured in a curated Route 66 directory
  • Join a Route-wide platform built to drive engagement

Stories from the Mother Road

Real people. Real moments. A living history in their own words. Every day, Route 66 travelers post memories to social media, but most of it fades in a feed. Stories from the Mother Road gives those stories a home.

  • Experience Route 66 through the eyes of real travelers from around the world
  • Search stories tied to exact locations — from the Blue Whale to the Wigwam Motel
  • Preserve your own journey in a permanent, public archive that others can explore
  • Help build a living, global memory map of Route 66 that inspires future travelers

And here’s what makes it different

Unlike social media, these stories are searchable by location, time, or theme. No more lost posts. No more wondering where that moment happened.

Route 66 Media: Stories That Define the Mother Road

Explore the passion, grit, and legacy of Route 66 through three unique series

Route 66: Journey Through Time

History That Built a Nation

Step into the past and uncover the rich heritage of Route 66. This documentary series takes you through the decades, exploring how the Mother Road shaped America’s identity. With rare footage, on-location explorations, and captivating interviews, Journey Through Time reveals the stories and events that made Route 66 a national icon.

Street Legends: Route 66

Where Culture and Cars Collide

Rev up for a high-octane adventure along Route 66. Street Legends blends the adrenaline of car culture with the charm of the Mother Road, showcasing custom cars, passionate drivers, and unforgettable stories. Each episode dives into the people and vehicles that define Route 66, from nostalgic hot rods to cutting-edge custom creations.

66Legends Tour

The Music That Moved Us

Experience the 66Legends Tour, a limited concert series celebrating Route 66 music legacy. Each live music event blends electrifying performances from legendary artists and rising stars with exclusive, behind-the-scenes stories. Discover the untold moments that shaped music history while enjoying unforgettable live shows!

Centennial Celebrations

100 Years of Route 66: A Celebration of Speed, Sound, and Spirit

Get ready to experience the Route 66 like never before! These unforgettable events bring together high-speed racing, legendary music, classic cars, and family fun — all set against the backdrop of America’s most iconic highway. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, music lover, history buff, or thrill-seeker, the Centennial Celebrations offer something for everyone. Join us as we honor the past and fuel the future of Route 66!

Street Legends Racing

Feel the energy of drag racing on Route 66. This thrilling spectacle showcases classic muscle, exotic builds, and modern beasts battling it out in tribute to Route 66’s racing roots. Witness breathtaking speed, precision driving, and adrenaline-pumping action.

66 Legends Tour

The 66 Legends Tour brings together iconic musicians and emerging stars for performances celebrating Route66’s musical heritage. Experience storytelling, electrifying concerts, and artist collaborations, all set on the road that inspired generations of music

Classic Car Shows

Step into a showcase of automotive history, featuring vintage classics, custom builds, and rare exotics from across the country. Whether you love chrome, horsepower, or history, this is your chance to celebrate the vehicles that made Route 66 legendary.

Family Carnivals

Bring the whole family for a nostalgic and exciting carnival experience featuring rides, games, live entertainment, and delicious food. From ferris wheels to funnel cakes, it’s a chance to make memories while celebrating the Mother Road’s 100-year journey

Connect66 Summits

The Blueprint for Route 66’

The Connect66 Summits are where the future of Route 66 takes shape. These gatherings aren’t just about ideas—they’re about action. From unveiling the Connect66 Playbook to strategizing with leaders and innovators, the summits provide a clear, actionable roadmap for preserving and revitalizing the Mother Road. Together, we’re building a shared vision to ensure Route 66 thrives for generations.

The Connect66
Playbook

Presenting the blueprint for Route 66’s revival, with actionable strategies for communities, businesses, and travelers.

Interactive
Workshops

Dive into plans for digital tools, events, and initiatives designed to preserve and enhance the Route 66 experience.

Collaborative
Panels

Share insights, learn from experts, and align on the steps to move forward. Share insights, learn from experts.

A Unified
Vision

Rally the eight states of Route 66 around a shared goal of heritage preservation and economic growth.

Connect66 Foundation

Preserve History. Empower Communities. Inspire the Future.

Preserve

Protect Route66’s history through digital archives and restoration projects.

Educate

Protect Route66’s history through digital archives and restoration projects.

Empower

Protect Route66’s history through digital archives and restoration projects.

Support the Connect66 Foundation

Frequently asked questions

Connect66 is a living, breathing ecosystem built to reimagine Route 66 for the next 100 years.

It’s where immersive storytelling, advanced technology, and cultural preservation come together to restore the soul of America’s most iconic highway.

But it’s more than a project — it’s a movement.

A digital and physical revival designed to empower communities, spark tourism, and preserve what matters most: the stories, places, and people that define the Mother Road.

We’re telling the story of America —

One story. One immersive interaction. One revival at a time.

Despite its legendary status, Route 66 has long suffered from fragmentation. Information is scattered, small towns are struggling, and travelers often don’t know where to go, what’s happening, or what they’re even looking at. Connect66 solves that by creating a centralized, immersive experience that ties everything together — history, travel tools, events, and community engagement — into one cohesive ecosystem that serves both locals and global visitors.

Connect66 was created by a team of strategists, preservationists, technologists, and creatives with a deep love for Route 66 and a shared belief that its best days are still ahead. This isn’t a corporate takeover or a government program — it’s a grassroots-driven, purpose-led movement with decades of expertise behind the scenes.

The team brings together experience in branding, tech innovation, historic preservation, economic revitalization, and media storytelling to create something entirely new: a scalable, immersive system designed to honor the past and ignite the future of the Mother Road.

Most Route 66 efforts focus on one piece of the puzzle — a museum, a documentary, a tour book, or a travel site. Connect66 combines them all into a unified ecosystem. It brings together digital tools, historical archives, economic revitalization, entertainment content, and real-world engagement to create something entirely new. It’s not about nostalgia — it’s about building a bridge between past, present, and future.

It’s both. Connect66 works at a national scale — covering all eight states of the Route — but it’s rooted in local partnerships. Every town, museum, business, and person along the Route has something to contribute. This initiative is designed to spotlight the hyperlocal while giving it a national (and even global) platform. It’s scalable and personal at the same time.

Both. Connect66 honors the past by preserving stories, places, and memories through tools like the 66Vault. But it’s just as focused on the future — using technology, media, and design to inspire a new generation of travelers, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Route 66 isn’t a relic — it’s a launchpad for what’s next.

Connect66 includes:

  • The Explore66 App (coming soon), which guides travelers with real-time navigation, historical overlays, and event updates
  • The 66Vault, an interactive archive for historical content, photos, oral histories, and rare media
  • Connect66 Summits, where stakeholders collaborate to shape the Route’s future
  • TimeEcho Productions, a suite of TV shows and media projects tied to the Route
  • The Connect66 Foundation, a nonprofit driving preservation, education, and community empowerment

Connect66 is a multi-pronged initiative with both for-profit and nonprofit components. The main development work is driven by private companies that are building the tools, content, and experiences. But there’s also a fully independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit — the Connect66 Foundation — that focuses on education, historical preservation, and community grants. So whether you’re a sponsor, a donor, or a city partner, there’s a place for you in the structure.

The 66Vault is the digital heartbeat of the Connect66 Initiative — a central repository where the history of Route 66 lives, grows, and evolves. It’s where thousands of stories, photos, documents, and cultural artifacts are collected, tagged, preserved, and made discoverable for generations to come. Think of it as both a library and a launchpad — powering everything from online archives to immersive travel experiences.
While the website allows users to explore the 66Vault through timelines, maps, and galleries, the Explore66 App uses this data to trigger real-time historical moments on the Route.
And that’s just the beginning. Over time, the 66Vault will serve as a platform for educators, museums, researchers, and creatives to tell deeper stories about America’s past through the lens of its most iconic road.

Anyone. Whether you’re a lifelong a historian, a museum, a Route 66 traveler, a local business owner,  or someone who just uncovered an old family photo — your story matters. The Vault is open to individuals, organizations, archives, and institutions. Contributors retain full credit, choose their licensing terms, and help shape a more complete picture of Route 66’s legacy.

The 66Vault accepts a wide range of content types, including:

  • Historic photos and postcards
  • Travel videos and archival film
  • Oral histories and interviews
  • Newspaper articles and brochures
  • Written stories and family accounts
  • Maps and government documents
  • Cultural artifacts and memorabilia
  • Pop culture references (books, songs, movies) Each item is categorized, tagged, and filtered by date, location, media type, and theme.

When the full platform launches, you’ll be able to submit content directly through our “Share It” feature. You’ll upload your photo, video, document, or story — add a short description, optional metadata like date or location, and choose how you want your content to be licensed and displayed.
Submissions will go through a quick moderation and tagging process before becoming part of the public 66Vault. Contributors will also have the option to create a profile to manage their uploads and track how their content is used across the platform.
In the meantime, check out the 66Vault section to learn more about the types of history we’re preserving and what’s coming soon.[/

Yes — and we strongly encourage it. Museums, libraries, tourism offices, historical societies, and educational institutions are ideal Vault contributors. Whether you’re digitizing an archive, curating a regional story, or building curriculum around American history, the Vault can help amplify and preserve your work. For institutions interested in bulk uploads, metadata integration, or educational use cases, contact us to collaborate.

Every item submitted to the Vault is enriched with metadata and tagged using a structured, multi-tiered system. Tags fall into categories like:

  • Location (e.g., “Tucumcari, NM”)
  • Timeframe (e.g., “1950s”)
  • Content Type (e.g., “Photo,” “Audio Recording”)
  • Theme (e.g., “Neon Signs,” “Civil Rights”)
  • Significance (e.g., “Historic Landmark”) These tags power filters, map views, search functions, and AI-powered content recommendations.

Not quite — while most content in the 66Vault is viewable through the website or app, each contributor decides how their content can be used. Some choose to make their work fully public and downloadable. Others may set it to view-only, limit it to educational use, or require explicit permission before reuse.
Each item is labeled with its license type, and users can filter search results accordingly — so it’s always clear what’s shareable, downloadable, or protected.
For items marked “Contact for Licensing,” you’ll be able to reach out directly to the contributor to request permission for use.[/

Yes — in many cases. The Explore66 App and Time Machine web interface both pull from the 66Vault. If your content has strong historical value and relevant metadata (like location or date), it may be included in:

  • Augmented reality stops
  • Interactive maps
  • Historical overlays
  • Location-based experiences You’ll always be credited, and licensing settings are respected across all platforms.

Absolutely. When uploading to the Vault, you choose from six license types that control how your content can be used, shared, or repurposed. You’re always credited by default, and you can update your licensing preferences later if needed.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the available options:

  • Public Domain: No restrictions — free for anyone to use, share, or remix.
  • Creative Commons (Attribution): Use is allowed, even commercially, as long as you’re credited.
  • Non-Commercial Use Only: Can be shared and used for education or personal projects, but not for profit.
  • Editorial Use Only: Use is limited to journalism, research, and non-commercial educational purposes.
  • View Only: Your content can be viewed, but not downloaded or reused.
  • Contact for Licensing: Others must request permission to use your content — ideal for professionals or institutions.

You can also opt to receive licensing requests if someone wants to feature your work in a documentary, campaign, or commercial project.[/

The 66Vault isn’t just a digital archive — it’s a cultural preservation engine. We’re collecting stories that might otherwise be lost and connecting them into something bigger: a living, evolving story of America told through the lens of the Mother Road. Beyond exploration and tourism, the Vault will become a powerful tool for education — powering curriculum, immersive history programs, and research across generations. Whether you’re contributing a photo or discovering one, you’re part of ensuring that Route 66’s legacy lives on — not as something frozen in the past, but as a story we continue to tell together.

There are lots of ways to get involved — whether you’re a history lover, Route 66 traveler, local business owner, or just passionate about preserving America’s cultural legacy. You can share content with the 66Vault, donate to the Connect66 Foundation, volunteer, become a local ambassador, or simply help spread the word. Check the Get Involved page to explore all the options.

Yes! Donations can be made through the Connect66 Foundation — our nonprofit arm dedicated to preservation, education, and community development. Your contribution helps fund historical archiving, events, educational tools, and small-town revitalization efforts across all eight states. Every dollar goes toward making the Route more vibrant and connected. Go to Connect66.net/Foundation for more information.

The Connect66 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works alongside the main initiative to focus on education, preservation, and community empowerment. While the broader Connect66 ecosystem includes for-profit media, technology, and tourism tools, the Foundation handles the mission-driven efforts — like preserving historical assets, awarding community grants, and developing classroom-ready educational materials.

We’re actively building partnerships with museums, historical societies, Route 66 associations, tourism bureaus, libraries, and local governments. Whether you want to contribute archived content to the 66Vault, host a Summit, or help shape the travel experience in your area — we’d love to hear from you. Reach out through the Partner With Us page to start the conversation.

Absolutely. You can volunteer, donate, become an ambassador, or just help share the word with friends, communities, and social networks. You can also share your own personal experiences — even recent travel stories — to help inspire others and build momentum around the movement.

Yes. We’re creating scalable tools and visibility opportunities for towns, small businesses, and local attractions along the Route. Whether you’re interested in promotion through the Explore66 App, listing an event, collaborating on history, or getting funding for a revitalization project — we want to hear from you.

Yes. We’re building a network of local and digital volunteers who can help bring the movement to life — from spreading awareness in your town to helping moderate 66Vault submissions. Ambassadors help represent the spirit of the Route in their communities. Want in? Just sign up on our Get Involved page and we’ll get you started.

Yes — once the full upload platform is live, you’ll be able to share your Route 66 content directly through the 66Vault. In the meantime, you can learn more on the 66Vault page and sign up to be notified when early contributor access opens.

Join our email list and follow us on social media. You’ll be the first to know when the Explore66 App goes live, when new stories drop in the Vault, and when events, Summits, and campaigns launch. We won’t spam you — we’re too busy rebuilding a legend.

We offer sponsorship opportunities at every level — from regional campaigns and Centennial celebrations to media content, app integrations, and Route-wide visibility. Whether you’re a small-town business or a national brand looking to align with one of America’s most iconic stories, we’d love to collaborate. Sponsorship dollars go directly toward preservation, programming, and community impact.

Yes. We’re actively partnering with media outlets, production companies, tourism boards, and cultural institutions to co-create content, share stories, and activate campaigns across Route 66. If your organization is interested in collaborating on storytelling, digital experiences, or national campaigns — we’re ready to talk.

No problem. Just visit the Get Involved page and answer a few short questions — whether you’re a fan, donor, teacher, business owner, traveler, or just Route 66-curious. We’ll help connect the dots based on your interests and skills.

Meet the Team

Key Personnel

Kevin Niebergall

Founder | President

Connect66 Initiative

Omar Sandoval

CIO

Connect66 Initiative

Micah Boon

VP Technology

Connect66 Initiative

KYLE KUCSERA

Brand & Design Lead

Connect66 Initiative

Rick Bjorklund

President

Connect66 Foundation

Andrew Schlossman

CSO

Connect66 Initiative

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