Racialized Spaces on Route 66

FAIN: BH-288103-22

Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ 86011-0001)
Ricardo Antonio Guthrie (Project Director: February 2022 to October 2022)
Gretchen McAllister (Project Director: October 2022 to present)
Gretchen McAllister (Co Project Director: August 2022 to October 2022)
Ricardo Antonio Guthrie (Co Project Director: October 2022 to present)

A combined virtual and residential program for 72 K-12 educators on the significance of race, place, and movement to understanding Route 66 within U.S. history and culture.

Northern Arizona University is requesting funds for a new Landmarks of American History and Culture grant of $189,000 for two, one-week site-based workshops in the summer of 2023 for 5th grade to 12th teachers of History, English, and general content areas (elementary grades) to examine the multiple perspectives along Route 66, an iconic landmark in the United States. This teacher workshop located on Route 66 in Flagstaff examines how landmarks tell the story of the United States, offering a mirror for their curricula as they learn a more inclusive and widened story of the classic, nostalgic Route 66.

Media Coverage

Applications open for summer seminars on ‘Racialized Spaces on Route 66 (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Kerry Bennett
Publication: The NAU Review
Date: 10/4/2022
Abstract: Overview of the grant and encouragement to apply. The application deadline for the Summer 2023 seminars is March 3. Museum educators and other K-12 school system personnel, such as administrators, substitute teachers and curriculum developers, are encouraged to apply at the Racialized Spaces website.
URL: https://news.nau.edu/mcallister-racialized-spaces/

https://oklahomaroute66.com/news/nau-offers-program-to-develop-k-12-curriculum-focusing-on-route-66-history (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Bill Thomas,
Publication: Oklahoma Route 66 Association
Date: 2/4/2024
Abstract: Flagstaff, AZ- Northern Arizona University (NAU) is offering teachers across the nation a professional development opportunity called “Racialized Spaces on Route 66” which uses the historic road as a foundation to develop curriculum materials embedded in social justice in order to foster critical thinking in K-12 students. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership’s Research and Education Working Group partnered with NAU in support of the program that has been awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
URL: https://oklahomaroute66.com/news/nau-offers-program-to-develop-k-12-curriculum-focusing-on-route-66-history

K-12 teachers convene in Flagstaff to learn about race, space and Route 66 (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Daily Sun staff
Publication: The Daily Sun
Date: 8/2/2023
Abstract: The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Landmarks of American History and Culture project (“Racialized Spaces on Route 66”) includes David Dunaway, Sean Evans, Steven Mandrgoc, Joseph Martin, community residents, along with co-directors Gretchen McAllister and Ricardo Guthrie, according to a press release. Additional support from the Road Ahead Foundation and the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona helped the project team do outreach and provide a welcome reception and orientation to K-12 teachers, librarians, counselors and educators from school districts from every corner of the nation, including each state through which Route 66 traverses.
URL: https://azdailysun.com/news/local/education/k-12-teachers-convene-in-flagstaff-to-learn-about-race-space-and-route-66/article_c3787c6c-30ce-11ee-9aa7-9b2a9a73d4b0.html

NAU offers program to develop educational curriculum focusing on Route 66 history (Media Coverage)
Publication: Route 66 News
Date: 12/31/2023
Abstract: Route 66 will be 100 years old in 2026, creating a timely opportunity for teachers to examine a wider narrative of the highway. Route 66 is famous for car cruising, motels, diners and unique attractions. Often left out of this story is the history and culture of segregation that framed the experiences of many who lived and traveled along Route 66. NAU will offer teachers two hybrid workshop sessions of the “Racialized Spaces” program during the summer months of 2023. Each will consist of an initial online session, followed by a one-week residential workshop in Flagstaff. The program will culminate with a follow-up online session. During their week in Flagstaff, teachers will participate in field trips and learn to use oral histories to examine how different racial and ethnic groups served, celebrated and entertained visitors traveling on Route 66.
URL: https://www.route66news.com/2023/02/06/nau-offers-program-to-develop-educational-curriculum-focusing-on-route-66-history/