New Route 66 Stamps Capture an Iconic Highway
Photographer David Schwartz's work graces eight new stamps celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66
David Schwartz had no idea that a song would change his life.
Schwartz, an Ohio native, became interested in Route 66 in 1988 after hearing Depeche Mode’s cover of the song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.” He says he used to listen to it and dream of the adventures it held. He made his first trip on Route 66 in 2004 and has since driven it over 40 times.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, and Schwartz’s work is reaching a whole new audience with nine of his images — including one from each state — gracing a new stamp pane.
He says the people are the reason he keeps coming back to Route 66.
“The folks I meet along this historic highway are shining examples of the kind of kindness and authenticity you don’t see everywhere anymore. They take the time to slow down, get to know you, share stories, and treat you like family.”
Schwartz describes the process of photographing the road as “meditative,” and he says he tries to capture the authenticity of the people and places he travels to.
“I just try to photograph the road in a way that feels honest — so people can really feel what it’s like to be there,” Schwartz says. “My hope is that the work inspires others to get out and experience Route 66 for themselves.”
Art director Greg Breeding says the scope of the project was “daunting” at first, but once researchers located Schwartz, a Route 66 photographer with over 20 years of photographing the road, the process became much smoother. Schwartz became the resource for acquiring images for the stamps while teaching Breeding some Route 66 history and lore.
“Not only is David a seasoned expert of Route 66, but he also happens to be a very fine photographer,” Breeding says. “I personally liked what some call the 'editorial' feel of his work. That is, it does not appear commercial or slick but has almost a photojournalistic quality.”
Schwartz says he’s looking for “moments that feel real” and tell a story or capture a mood.
“I pay close attention to light, especially at sunrise or sunset, because it can completely transform a scene,” Schwartz says. “I’m drawn to how places change over time — what’s still standing, what’s faded, and what’s been brought back to life.”
As Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, Schwartz notes its importance extends far beyond the physical road.
“Route 66 is more than just an old highway. It’s living history," he says. "It isn’t sealed behind glass or kept behind a velvet rope. It’s something you can step into and become part of. Driving it today connects you to that story in a real, tangible way. It tells the story of how people moved, adapted, and built communities.
“The thought that someone might see one of these images and feel that same spark I felt years ago — that’s everything to me.”
"The road still matters because it brings people together from all over the world," he adds. "It’s a place where conversations happen, small towns stay on the map, and the past coexists with the present. In an age of fast everything, Route 66 reminds us to slow down, look around, and appreciate the character of a place and the people who give it life.”
Having his work featured on stamps is a dream come true for Schwartz, and he hopes they will inspire others to seek their own adventures on the road. “The thought that someone might see one of these images and feel that same spark I felt years ago — that’s everything to me.”