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The Route History
Virtual Experience
Meet the Route History Travelers
Our virtual Route 66 Black experience is highly immersive and engaging, featuring a set of characters that will take you on a fascinating journey as you learn the rich history of the Black communities along Route 66. You will feel as if you are standing right next to them in each city that you visit.
Blues singer, Minnie Lightford, and her band travel Route 66 performing at entertainment venues listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book and other locations. Minnie Lightford also participates in historic events, frequents businesses and has great experiences.
World War II Veteran, Oliver James, travels Route 66 using his Negro Motorist Green Book after the end of World War II. Witness as Oliver meets up with old war buddies, visit historic places, and frequents businesses.
The Simmons Family, like millions of Black families traveled Route 66 during the Great Migration. The Simmons Family left their home in Mississippi and are moving to Chicago for better economic opportunities.
During segregation, Negro League Baseball teams traveled Route 66 playing competitive baseball. Henry and his team use the Negro Motorist Green Book to find welcoming hotels, restaurants and businesses.
What historical people, places, and events will you see in the virtual experience?
Attend a Martin Luther King
rally in Chicago
Spend a night at the Dudley Hotel in Springfield
Hear a jazz concert at the Harlem Nite Club in Brooklyn
See Ike and Tina Turner perform at Engine House #5, Springfield's Black Firehouse
Buy fish at Bond Ave
Fish Market in East St Louis
Visit Lincoln High School and meet Miles Davis' music teacher in East St Louis
Learn about Priscilla Baltimore, the Moses of the West and Founder of Brooklyn, IL
Meet Annie Malone, one of the first Black woman millionaires, and spend a night at Poro College in Chicago
Visit the Beacon Social Club in Joliet
Meet Dr. Eugene Covington, one of Bloomington's first Black doctors
Learn about the rich history of the Springfield Urban League
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