Route 66: The Multimedia Graduate Thesis Project

Travel Blog  •  Michael Yessis  •  05.17.10 | 9:40 AM ET

A few years ago I wrote that we were experiencing a new Golden Age of the Road Trip because, among other reasons, new technologies were providing incredible ways to tell road trip stories:

Now instead of writing a book like Kerouac or marking those lines in felt-tip on a map, travelers can use video and flash and Google Maps and blogs and audio to interpret what they’ve seen on the road and bring it to life in unexpected ways. In the age of the Web, the road trip has arrived as an artistic statement.

Here’s one of those ways I never expected. Students at California State University East Bay are creating a virtual tour of Route 66 utilizing Wii, Google Earth and other technologies—all contained in a 1969 VW bug:



The project is scheduled to debut in June.



3 Comments for Route 66: The Multimedia Graduate Thesis Project

Michael Wallis 05.25.10 | 12:39 PM ET

I am delighted to learn of your creation! As the author of ROUTE 66: THE MOTHER ROAD, the book often credited with sparking the resurgence of interest in the Mother Road, I am always delighted when others join our cause to preserve, protect, and enhance this legendary highway. We have recently founded a national non-profit called THE ROUTE 66 ALLIANCE, to serve as an umbrella organization and clearing house for the entire highway through all eight states. Please keep me posted and let me know how I can help.

Cheers,
Michael Wallis

Michael Wallis 05.25.10 | 12:46 PM ET

I am so delighted to learn of this new and exciting project! As the author of ROUTE 66: THE MOTHER ROAD, the book often credited with igniting the resurgence of interest in the M other Road, I am always pleased to find like-minded persons who truly care about preserving America before it became generic. We have just founded a non-profit called the ROUTE 66 ALLIANCE to act as an umbrella organization/clearing house for the entire road and beyond. Our hope is to preserve, protect, and enhance the old road and also help make the venerable highway a living “green road”  to help take us into the future.

Please keep me posted and let me know how we can all work together.
Cheers,
Michael Wallis

The Mother Road Multimedia Experience 05.26.10 | 8:35 PM ET

Hi,

I’m a member of The Mother Road Multimedia Experience. I’m so honored to hear from you. Thank you for your post! We are working hard to complete the project by June 11th when we have our formal presentation of the project. Although, there are still some final touches things seem to be falling into place. We will be putting up a new update video very soon so stay tuned.

Best,
Ann

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