WILL-AM

The 21st Show

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road, our in-depth series, “Route 66 in Illinois”, explores the places, stories, and history connected to the iconic highway.

The 21st Show

As we wrap up our trip across the 21st state’s portion of Route 66, we take a look at the tiny Village of Brooklyn, located on the cusp of the Mississippi River in the Metro East, just before Route 66 enters Missouri, to learn about the country’s first Black-majority town and the history that connects it to the Mother Road.

The 21st Show

As we continue to tour across the 21st state’s portion of Route 66, we’re making a stop at the Ace Sign Museum in Springfield, which restores and collects signs of all kinds from Route 66’s past.

The 21st Show

A book released earlier this year explores mob activity in the Prohibition era along Route 66 specifically through the lens of Benld, Illinois.

The 21st Show

Atlanta, Illinois is the next stop on our Route 66 journey. The American Giants Museum restores iconic large size statues of figures in American culture.

The 21st Show

A film made in Central Illinois is getting its big premiere. Vijay M. Rajan, writer and director of the psychological thriller “Dark Soul River" joins the program. 

The 21st Show

We continue our series reflecting on 100 years of Route 66 — particularly the 300-or-so miles of it that span the 21st state. However, Route 66 goes well beyond the borders of Illinois passing through Missouri, New Mexico, Arizona, and California and this is the subject of a new film.

The 21st Show

As we continue our journey on Route 66, we’re stopping in Bloomington-Normal to check out the McLean County Museum of History. 

The 21st Show

We continue our Route 66 journey heading southwest to the city of Joliet. Operating from 1858 through 2002, the Old Joliet Prison is now a tourist site. A local history expert takes the 21st Show through the prison highlighting its history and significance to the city.

The 21st Show

Route 66, America’s most famous highway is turning 100 this year, and Illinois is bound up in more than 300 miles of its stories. To kick off our week-long series and begin our statewide journey, the 21st Show traveled to the start of Route 66, in the heart of downtown Chicago.