From Horse Power to Horsepower: How Autos and Asphalt Changed the Ligonier Valley

Compass Inn Museum | Thursday, February 26, 2026

Kick off our 2026 Lincoln Highway Talk Series with an engaging look at America’s first coast-to-coast highway and its lasting impact on Western Pennsylvania.

Join Spencer Simpson, Director of Visitor Services for the Lincoln Highway Experience Museum, as he explores the story of the Lincoln Highway in the Ligonier Valley. Ligonier boasts of an early history in colonial settlement of North America and westward expansion. From the French & Indian War through the stagecoach days of the 18th and 19th centuries, countless travellers used the established roadways through Ligonier to move west and settle the frontier. But everything changed in 1913 when the route of the Lincoln Highway was announced. Ligonier would be one of the hundreds of communities along the route of America's first coast-to-coast highway. The emergence of the Lincoln Highway and the modern automobile era had an enormous impact on the way businesses, residences, and recreation grew in the Ligonier Valley. "From Horse Power to Horsepower" highlights how the Lincoln Highway changed the Ligonier Valley and opened America up to the motoring adventurer of the 20th century.

 Hosted at Compass Inn Museum from 1:30 to 3pm
Admission is $5; Preorder now at www.compassinn.org/event-calendar to reserve your spot!

Lincoln Highway Talk: Route 66 — The Mother Road

Lincoln Highway Experience Museum | Saturday, March 21, 2026 (Late Afternoon)

Our first Lincoln Highway Talk at the museum in 2026 takes a fun and fascinating detour west to another legendary American road.

Join Anthony Arno, Route 66 historian, speaker, and creator of the popular Route 66 Podcast, for an entertaining presentation on the history, culture, and enduring mythology of Route 66 — the Mother Road. Drawing on years of research, storytelling, and firsthand travel, Anthony brings the road to life through unforgettable characters, quirky roadside stops, and classic Americana.

Stick around after the talk for a Route 66 trivia game, where you can test your knowledge and keep the fun rolling.

History, pop culture, and a little friendly competition—this is one road trip you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about the speaker: route66speaker.com
About Anthony Arno: route66podcast.com/about

Admission is $5