Joliet museum president and former Rialto director highlights Route 66 visitorship and revival fundraisers

Lynn Lichtenauer, introduced on JCTV as a Joliet native and long‑time civic volunteer, described her role as president of the Joliet Area Historical Museum and recounted work raising funds and programming for the Rialto Square Theater.

Lichtenauer said she served as Rialto group-sales coordinator and was named executive director in 1988. She described building the theater’s arts-and-education student-matinee program, creating sponsorship opportunities and expanding donor relationships.

On the museum, Lichtenauer noted the Route 66 welcome center and said the facility drew visitors from dozens of countries last year. "Last year, 30 people from 37 different countries visited that museum to start their trek down Route 66," she said, stressing the museum’s tourism role.

Lichtenauer outlined past and possible future fundraisers, including Ovation, an event that paired a rotunda dinner and a private performance for donors. The fundraiser was described as a model the foundation is considering reviving to replenish the theater’s endowment.

She also described local efforts to assemble a Route 66‑focused music exhibit, "Route 66: The Road to Rock," to document Illinois musicians with ties to Joliet and the region. Lichtenauer named local artists and alumni linked to the area’s music history and said volunteers and local organizations were involved in early planning.

Throughout the interview, Lichtenauer connected fundraising, museum programming and local economic activity, urging residents to get involved with cultural organizations that attract visitors and support downtown businesses. She closed by thanking producers and encouraging viewers to follow upcoming Rialto and museum events.