Chandler Public Library: (Mother) Road to the Stars – Route 66 and its Space Heritage

Route 66 is one of the most storied roadways in North America, known for its roadside diners, historic hotels and kitschy attractions. But it also boasts an extraordinary space heritage; along its course lies the birthplaces of space pioneers, centers of space exploration and discovery, training grounds for Moon-bound astronauts, the best-preserved asteroid impact site in the world, site of a famous UFO sighting, and museums celebrating these cosmic connections. In honor of the upcoming centennial of Route 66, Lowell Observatory Historian Kevin Schindler will lead a virtual trip along the Mother Road and explore this space heritage. In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Chandler Library is hosting a lecture series, Arizona’s Living Landscapes, that explores the state’s natural environment and its relationship to our history, culture, and lived experiences. This series is supported by the Arizona Humanities and Friends of Chandler Public Library.