“Crossroads of America: Oklahoma’s Route 66” to Make TV Debut on OETA
August 14, 2026
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-967-9487
[email protected]
okhistory.org
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society, in collaboration with director Bryan Beasley, producers Jon and Jaime Roman, and with support from the Inasmuch Foundation, has produced “Crossroads of America: Oklahoma’s Route 66.” This documentary examines the evolution of Route 66 in Oklahoma, from the hardships of the Dust Bowl era to the era of nostalgic road trips. It explores the highway’s history and future through interviews with historians, interactions with small-business owners, and scenes created using virtual production technology. The film will be shown publicly for the first time on Saturday, August 29, at 4 p.m. on OETA.
Oklahoma contains the longest stretch of drivable Route 66 in the United States. As the highway extends from Chicago to Santa Monica, its route through the Oklahoma Plains reveals narratives of community and connection. The documentary documents this history statewide, featuring interviews with business owners, entrepreneurs, historians, and other prominent Oklahomans. Originally envisioned by early planners, the road required 11 years to complete. Roadside attractions, cinematic influences, and increased travel after World War II contributed to its popularity. For many travelers, Route 66 represented freedom and a distinctive way to experience the country. Today, travelers continue to value Route 66 by engaging with historic sites and developing new perspectives on its significance.
Supported by the Cherokee Film Commission, key scenes were filmed at Cherokee Film Studios utilizing the LED XR wall and volumetric production technology to recreate pivotal moments with enhanced depth and detail. The 80-foot curved LED XR wall serves as an alternative to traditional green screens, allowing directors to position real-time 3D environments behind actors and props and to capture visual effects within the studio. In “Crossroads of America,” these technologies produced vivid night skies, landscapes, and scenes that evoke the experience of traveling along the historic highway.
Director Bryan Beasley maintains a longstanding collaboration with the Oklahoma Historical Society. His career began with the acclaimed documentary “Unconquered: Allan Houser and the Legacy of One Apache Family,” narrated by Val Kilmer, and the historical narrative “The Battle of Honey Springs.” Beasley and OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson further collaborated on the 2023 documentary “The People’s House: The Story of the Oklahoma State Capitol.”
The documentary is scheduled to air on OETA on Saturday, August 29, at 4 p.m. Additional screenings are being planned across the state.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
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