Route 66 author and celebrity Michael Wallis to present a lecture in Joplin

Western and Route 66 historian and author Michael Wallis will present a lecture on Route 66: past, present, and exciting future on Friday evening, April 4th at 7 p.m. in Corley Auditorium in Webster Hall, on the Missouri Southern State University campus in Joplin.

Michael was instrumental in the renaissance of Route 66 with the release of his 1990 book, Route 66: The Mother Road.

Written “on the brink” of the 75th anniversary of Route 66, the book single-handedly encouraged new generations of Roadies to seek their own Route 66 Experience. Now, 25 years later, facing the centennial, his book is still relevant today.

Another notable Route 66 accomplishment is his work with John Lasseter, the creator of the Disney/Pixar CARS franchise. Michael and his wife, Suzanne, traveled the route with John and his team as creative consultants to learn, in John’s words, “The Spirit of Route 66.”

Michael is also the voice of Sheriff in the Disney/Pixar CARS franchise and looks closely at the movie’s rendition of the 1949 Mercury Club Coupe Police Cruiser; the front grille was designed to resemble his mustache.

Michael has truly earned the moniker The Godfather of Route 66.

The 45-minute lecture is free to the public and will conclude with a Q&A session.

The Joplin Historical Society and Visit Joplin sponsor the event.