(Joplin, MO) – The Leadership Joplin Class of 2026 is proud to announce its class project, “Joplin: Beyond Route 66,” an initiative designed to celebrate the city’s rich history while encouraging both visitors and local residents to explore all that Joplin has to offer, beyond the well-traveled path of Route 66.
This project aims to create a unified platform for discovering Joplin’s history, inviting travelers to step off Route 66 and into the heart of Joplin’s neighborhoods, while also inspiring residents to experience their city in a new and meaningful way.
The project is built on three key components:
- A Digital Experience: At the center of the initiative is an easy-to-navigate website that brings together stories, locations, and historical highlights from across Joplin. Visitors can access the platform through a QR code placed throughout the city, offering an interactive way to learn about the people and places that have shaped Joplin’s history.
- Expansion of the Heritage Trail: The class is also expanding the existing Heritage Trail, originally established by the City of Joplin. As the original steering group transitions, the Leadership Joplin class is honored to continue this important work. The Cornell Complex has been selected as the newest stop on the trail, highlighting Joplin’s theater history.
- Community Celebration Event – June 9, 2026: To celebrate the launch of “Joplin: Beyond Route 66,” The Leadership Joplin Class of 2026 will host a community-wide event on June 9, 2026.
At 4:30 pm, the community event will begin at Mural Park in downtown Joplin with a Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony and the unveiling of the project’s monument sign, Joplin: Beyond Route 66.”
Following the ceremony, participants will take part in a city-wide scavenger hunt, encouraging exploration of historic sites and hidden gems throughout the downtown area.
This event offers a unique opportunity for the community to come together to honor our past, engage our present, and inspire our future, a message proudly featured on the project’s monument sign.
Congratulations to the Leadership Joplin Class of 2026 and thank you to the Leadership Joplin title sponsor, EaglePicher!
References:
Erin Slifka, Vice President
Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce
417.624.4150
Jess Sickman
Leadership Joplin Class of 2026
618.401.8838
jsickman@jacschools.org
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