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The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, in collaboration with multiple statewide Route 66 organizations, is launching a collectible series of trading cards for the Route 66 Centennial. Starting April 15th, cards will be available at locations across the Route 66 corridor from Illinois to California for $1 apiece. “We wanted to offer a fun and different item that people could add to their Route 66 itineraries as they travel during the road’s 100th Anniversary,” said Rhys Martin, board member of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. “State associations and scenic byways have been working together with the Road Ahead for a decade now and we wanted something to show that Route 66 truly is one long linear community that also gives back to that community.” Each card includes a Route 66 landmark, with locations divided out across the eight states that the road passes through with a list of factoids on the back. The number of cards in each state was determined by mileage and each location was selected by individual state Route 66 organizations. This initial launch of 27 cards was made possible thanks to a generous sponsorship by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. “Working alongside the other seven Route 66 states to create a unique, nostalgic, and exciting Centennial offering truly reflects the strength and value of collaboration,” said Casey Claypool, Executive Director of the Byway. “I’m incredibly proud to be part of such a dedicated and passionate group of Route 66 stewards. I hope travelers will appreciate the care, time, and collective effort that went into bringing this project to life.” 26 of the cards will be sold at various locations along Route 66 while the 27th will be offered from the Route 66 Centennial Caravan as it makes its way across the highway in June. Cards will only cost a dollar apiece, with a portion of each sale going to the business offering the card and a portion going back to each state organization. “This initial set of cards will hopefully inspire other businesses and landmarks to get involved,” Martin continued. “We plan to offer future ‘booster packs’ of cards with those proceeds going to the Road Ahead Partnership’s Preservation and Economic Development Grant.” To start your collection, look up card-selling location at route66tradingcards.com. To learn more about the Route 66 Centennial Caravan in June, go to route66caravan.com.  In celebration of both the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and America’s 250th birthday, the “Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit” (“Exhibit”) will bring the history, stories, and images of the Mother Road to life across New Mexico. The Exhibit includes four stops in the state, kicking off in Grants (April 25-27); followed by Albuquerque (May 6-7); Gallup (May 9-December 31); with special events in Santa Fe (August 28-30). The free Exhibit features nearly two dozen large-scale interpretive panels, audiovisual mini-documentaries, and educational components highlighting the diverse stories of New Mexicans connected by Route 66. “From the glow of neon signs to the steady hum of tires on open pavement, every mile of Route 66 tells a story,” said Exhibit organizer and documentarian Katrina Parks, of Assertion Films. “For nearly a century, the road has drawn visitors from around the world and continues to hold countless stories waiting to be uncovered. The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit brings these stories to life and highlights the humanity of the Mother Road from a variety of perspectives.” Drawing from Parks’ acclaimed PBS documentary film series, Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road, the traveling Exhibit invites visitors to explore how Route 66 shaped American history, culture, and identity through the stories of the people who lived, worked, and traveled along it. The Exhibit will debut at the Cibola Arts Center at 1001 W. Santa Fe Ave in Grants, NM from April 25–27. The opening event on Saturday, April 25, will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. There will be a special screening of episode one of Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road at 11 a.m. Josie's Food Truck will be there all day, and there is a live performance by Thunder Ridge from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, April 26, the Exhibit will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an 11:30 a.m. art activity for youth led by artist Marla Allison, originally from Laguna Pueblo, and a 1:30 p.m. film screening followed by a panel discussion at 2:30 p.m. led by the film’s creator, Katrina Parks. Finally, on Monday, April 27, schools are invited to bring students for special guided tours. Students will receive “Route 66 passports” and are encouraged to explore the panels and answer questions as they move through the Exhibit. Groups should contact Denise Hanson in advance at [email protected] to schedule their visit. The Exhibit will continue on to the WHEELS Museum in Albuquerque on May 6 and 7, where it will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On May 6 at noon, there will be a Route 66 film screening, followed by a panel discussion led by Parks. Food trucks, including Pop-Pop's Italian Ice, will also be available. Schools are invited to bring students on May 7. Please RSVP in advance to Leba Freed at [email protected] to reserve school tours, as they will fill up quickly. Additionally, Routes Bicycle Rentals will offer a special tour to see the Exhibit at WHEELS Museum on May 6. To book or for more information, visit routesrentals.com. The WHEELS Museum is located at 1100 2nd St. SW in Albuquerque. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Exhibit will make its way to Gallup, where it will be on display from May 9 to December 31 at the Rex Museum, which is located at 300 W. Historic Hwy. 66. The Exhibit coincides with the Gallup Arts Crawl on Saturday, May 9, from 5 to 9 p.m. For the duration of the exhibit through Dec. 31, hours are Tuesdays-Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. School groups are invited to preview the exhibit the day before the official opening on May 8. Please RSVP in advance to Tammy Moe at [email protected]. From August 28 to 30, the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe, NM, will host the Exhibit for three days of special events. The Route 66 films will screen throughout the day. School groups are encouraged to visit on Friday, Aug. 28. Groups should RSVP to Christina McCorquodale at [email protected] to reserve a time to visit. This project is made possible in part by a grant through the New Mexico Tourism Department, and through the support of our valued partners, including New Mexico Route 66 Association, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, New Mexico History Museum, the City of Gallup, the Octavia Fellin Public Library, Grants MainStreet Project, Cibola Arts Center, and the Wheels Museum. Additional details about these events, along with general information about the Exhibit, are available at www.route66exhibit.com or by contacting Katrina Parks at [email protected].   The New Mexico Route 66 Association is excited to announce the upcoming release of a special, second-edition collector coin in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the iconic Route 66. This commemorative coin is designed to honor the rich history and enduring legacy of Route 66 through New Mexico, which has played a significant role in American culture and travel.
This exclusive memento is produced by the New Mexico Route 66 Association, making it a highly coveted collector’s item. Each coin comes accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing its genuineness and value as a collectible. Additionally, purchasers will receive a copy of the dated press release, further documenting the significance of this centennial celebration. “The Centennial is an opportunity to not only celebrate the history of Route 66, but also to recognize the iconic small businesses, historic sites, and roadside attractions that give the road its spirit,” said Melissa Beasley-Lee, President of the New Mexico Route 66 Association. According to Beasley-Lee, “This coin is a lasting tribute to the Route 66 communities, and the people and places that have kept this spirit of the Mother Road alive for a century, giving enthusiasts a beautiful, tangible piece of New Mexico history to cherish for the next 100 years.” The Association would like to express its sincere gratitude to United States Vietnam Veteran, Dale Punch, for his invaluable professional assistance in creating this coin. The collector coin will be officially released on May 2, 2026. Interested individuals can now preorder the coin through the New Mexico Route 66 Association's official website at RT66NM.org. The website provides additional details regarding the coin, including design features, ordering instructions, and further information about the anniversary event. Route 66 Centennial Side The Route 66 Centennial side of the coin showcases a distinctive, unique logo created exclusively for the New Mexico Route 66 Association by renowned New Mexico artist, Darryl Willison. The design combines key state symbols—the roadrunner, prickly pear cactus, and Zia symbol, alongside the iconic Route 66 shield and imagery of the road. Eight stars are included as a tribute both to the nation's 250th anniversary and to honor the military personnel who have served and continue to serve the country. New Mexico Route 66 Association Side The opposite side of the coin displays the official logo of the New Mexico Route 66 Association and highlights the organization’s founding year, 1989. This side also features eight US Highway shields to acknowledge the eight state Route 66 Associations that collaborated, through the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, for the past decade to make the centennial celebrations possible. Additionally, the beveled shield edge pays tribute to the nine Native American Nations Route 66 traverses in New Mexico. Availability and Membership Information The Centennial Coin will be available exclusively at participating Association Business Member locations and directly through the New Mexico Route 66 Association. Interested buyers can find a list of participating businesses on the Retail Store page of the Association’s website, RT66NM.org. Businesses wishing to become members and offer the centennial coin along with other official New Mexico Route 66 Association merchandise are encouraged to contact the Association via the website for more information. Supporting the Route 66 Legacy All proceeds from the sale of the Centennial Coin will go toward supporting the New Mexico Route 66 Association’s mission. This includes the education, promotion, and preservation of the New Mexico Historic Route 66 Scenic Byway, as well as the ongoing economic revitalization of the 604 miles of Route 66 across the state for future generations to enjoy. There’s a certain ambition in deciding that the best way to celebrate a road is simply to drive it. On June 6, a caravan will leave the Santa Monica Pier and head east, arriving in Chicago on June 25. Twenty days, end to end, across Route 66—which is less a straight line than a collection of stories loosely agreeing to share pavement. They’re calling it the Route 66 Centennial Caravan, though it feels more like a moving reminder. Organized by the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, alongside a web of state associations and preservation groups, the trip is meant to highlight what still exists—and what almost didn’t. The road, reframed as a “linear village,” stitched together by people who refused to let it disappear quietly. There are sponsors, of course—Best Western, Stuckey’s—but the real emphasis is on the smaller victories: volunteer efforts, restored signs, places that stayed open when it would have been easier not to. Along the way, they’ll meet other travelers doing their own versions of the same thing. Some will join for a day, others longer. The road has always allowed for that kind of flexibility. Even The Big Texan Steakhouse is sending its oversized mascot along, because no American road trip is complete without a bit of spectacle. The point, ultimately, isn’t just to celebrate 100 years. It’s to suggest there might be another hundred, if enough people keep showing up. More information is available at route66caravan.com  The New Mexico Route 66 Roadside Attraction Sign Program has received prestigious recognition as an “Official Route 66 Centennial Project” from the US Route 66 Centennial Commission. In an official letter, the Route 66 Centennial Team congratulated the program, stating: “Congratulations, 'Route 66 Roadside Attraction Sign Program' is now a part of the national Route 66 Centennial Certified Projects family. You are now authorized to use the certification emblem for your promotional purposes, and your project will be listed on the National Route 66 Centennial website as a Route 66 Centennial Certified Project.” The Route 66 Roadside Attraction Sign Program focuses on installing both new and replacement signs at historic sites, businesses, and landmarks located along or near Route 66 in New Mexico. These signs serve to highlight local history, provide photo opportunities for travelers, support small businesses, and strengthen community connections. The initiative replaces worn or missing signs from previous efforts and expands signage to new historically significant locations. Funds generated from the program are directed towards the ongoing preservation and promotion of Route 66 in New Mexico. Melissa Beasley-Lee, president of the New Mexico Route 66 Association, expressed excitement about the program, noting that it is an affordable way for businesses to promote their establishments, share history, and offer engaging photo opportunities. She emphasized that combining these signs with those posted at historic sites helps promote the region’s heritage and connects communities. Beasley-Lee further stated, “We couldn’t be more honored than to receive official certification from the US Route 66 Centennial Commission. We would like to thank the commission for making this possible.” The program will remain active as long as there is interest in the signs. Those wishing to purchase signs for their business, sponsor a sign at a significant location, or learn more about the New Mexico Route 66 Roadside Attraction Sign Program are encouraged to visit https://www.rt66nm.org/roadside-attraction-sign-project.html for additional information.  Route 66 is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2026, and the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership is using the centennial celebration to help the millions of people who live, work, and travel the Mother Road through grants like the Route 66 Preservation & Economic Development (PED) Grant Program. Through generous support from American Express, the Road Ahead recently awarded more than $40,000 to Route 66 businesses and attractions. The 2025 Route 66 PED Grant Program awards go to 19 organizations in Arizona, California, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Each recipient receives $2,125 for their qualifying project as recommended by an independent Review Committee from across the eight Route 66 states. There are four recipients from Arizona. The VFW POST 6306, located on historic Route 66 in Topock, will commission the painting of the Route 66 shield on the pavement at their address and plan a community centennial celebration. Area 66 Outreach and Marketing will facilitate advertising efforts of the world-famous "Golf Ball" located in Yucca. Kingland Studios Fun Center in Joliet is creating brand-new characters inspired by Route 66 and its communities. Additionally, Zettler’s Market will apply the reward toward much-needed repairs to its National Historic Register site in Ash Fork. In California, two projects will benefit from the PED Grants. Melting Pot Food Tours, in the Old Pasadena business district of West Hollywood, will invest in tour guide training and update its website to highlight the 100-year anniversary of Route 66. Cucamonga Service Station is reconstructing its garage, completing the restoration of the historic site. Two Illinois restaurants will also receive awards. Joliet’s White Fence Farm on Route 66 plans to paint and replace fascia boards as needed following storm damage. In Virden, Jo's Place will restore its floors to improve safety. In Rolla, Missouri, Soda & Scoops and Red Door Gifts will each be investing in building improvements to enhance the Route 66 experience. The third Missouri recipient, Campbell Express Trailer Museum, will have a new Campbell Trucking Mural painted in Lebanon Park. In New Mexico, grants will support the "66 Artists on 66" Art Show and Handmade Souvenir Shop at ART123 Gallery in Gallup, and in Grants, the award will help replace and upgrade the electrical panel box at St. Teresa's Community Center. There is a lot happening in Oklahoma. The Bristow Historical Society, will install benches and commission a Route 66 mural at Bristow’s Town Square. Magpie & Mulberry Market will build a farmer’s/vintage market at the corner of Route 66 and Highway 75 in Sapulpa. The Arcadia Round Barn will reprint its 12 historical panels and create brochures that tell the barn's story. The grant will fund professional architectural and structural planning for Saint Cate's Route 66 Folk Art Cathedral, a 1924 former church in Yukon. And in Tulsa, the iconic “COLD BEER” neon at Arnie's Bar along the original Route 66 will be repaired. And in Amarillo, Texas, the grant assists in educational materials for a secure exhibit space and long-term conservation of the Helium Times Columns Monument and plaza at the Don Harrington Discovery Center. Eligible activities included capital improvements, historic preservation planning or work, and accessibility or community outreach for businesses and attractions located on Route 66 that employ fewer than 20 full-time employees or are a small, locally owned franchise with five or fewer locations. The PED Grant Program is an Official Route 66 Centennial Project as recommended by the Route 66 Centennial Commission. Future awards will be contingent on fundraising efforts to support the ongoing Route 66 PED Grant Program. Established in 2016, with the support of the National Park Service and the World Monuments Fund, The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership’s mission is to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national and international icon through partnerships focused on promotion, preservation, research and education, and economic development.  Route 66 has played a pivotal role in shaping America’s spirit of adventure, fostering a sense of community, and opening up new possibilities for generations. As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of this iconic highway, the New Mexico Route 66 Association proudly hosts a six-day journey across the Land of Enchantment to honor this remarkable legacy. The Motor Tour, scheduled for September 8-13, 2026, invites participants to embark on a memorable exploration of New Mexico’s historic 604-mile scenic byway. The tour will follow the current Route 66 alignment as well as the pre-1937 segment, offering short daily drive distances so guests can truly savor the essence of the Mother Road, relishing the fun and adventure that have defined it for a century. In partnership with Route 66 municipalities and communities statewide, the New Mexico Route 66 Association extends a heartfelt invitation to join this once-in-a-century event. The tour is more than a cruise—it’s a celebration of preservation, discovery, and economic revitalization along the legendary Route 66 corridor in New Mexico. Whether you choose to experience all six days or join for a portion of the route, you are welcome to cruise with us and discover why New Mexico is truly the Land of Enchantment. The event welcomes classic cars, contemporary vehicles, travel trailers, and motorcycles, ensuring everyone can experience the magic of Route 66. Those wishing to learn more about the New Mexico Route 66 Association Motor Tour 2026 as plans progress are encouraged to visit rt66nm.org/join-or-renew.html. The New Mexico Route 66 Association has been dedicated to the education, promotion, and preservation of Historic Route 66 in New Mexico since 1989, working tirelessly to support economic revitalization along its 604-mile stretch. As a 501(c)(3) organization, their commitment has helped keep the legacy of the Mother Road alive for future generations.  Route 66 New Mexico magazine has achieved distinguished recognition as an “Official Route 66 Centennial Project” from the US Route 66 Centennial Commission. In a formal letter, the Route 66 Centennial Team congratulated the magazine, stating: “Congratulations, ‘Route 66 New Mexico magazine, special centennial year issues’ are now a part of the national Route 66 Centennial Certified Projects family. You are now authorized to use the certification emblem for your promotional purposes, and your project will be listed on the National Route 66 Centennial website as a Route 66 Centennial Certified Project.” Published quarterly by the New Mexico Route 66 Association, Route 66 New Mexico magazine highlights the history, culture, preservation efforts, and events along the state’s 604+ miles of the iconic highway. Each issue includes a comprehensive list of Route 66 businesses and features a detailed map marking communities, points of interest, and exit numbers. Distribution is free at visitor centers, chambers of commerce, and various Route 66 locations, with a broad readership of 46,000 worldwide. Throughout 2026, all issues of the magazine will spotlight New Mexico’s officially certified Route 66 Centennial activities and projects, as recognized by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. The publication's mission is to celebrate, educate, and promote Route 66 tourism and support businesses along the route in New Mexico. Melissa Beasley-Lee, president of the New Mexico Route 66 Association, expressed deep gratitude for the official certification, stating, “We couldn’t be more honored than to receive official certification from the US Route 66 Centennial Commission. We would like to thank the commission for making this possible.” Beasley-Lee also shared enthusiasm for the magazine’s progress, noting that after 34 years in production, Route 66 New Mexico magazine has expanded significantly over the past decade, offering increased content and diversity. She emphasized the importance of the dedicated team and the support from businesses purchasing advertisements, which has enabled the magazine to maintain its high quality for members and visitors. The publication receives no state or centennial funds, making production challenging. Membership dues help offset some costs, while writers contribute content voluntarily and businesses cover most production expenses through ad purchases. Additional support comes from donations. Beasley-Lee acknowledged that the magazine’s existence is a tribute to everyone who contributes, making the centennial designation an honor for them as well. Individuals interested in joining the New Mexico Route 66 Association and receiving Route 66 New Mexico magazine as a member benefit are encouraged to visit rt66nm.org/join-or-renew.html for more information. Learn more about the commission at https://www.route66-centennial.com/  Celebrate 100 Years of America's Iconic Highway: Introducing the U.S. Route 66 Centennial
January 1, 2026–December 31, 2026 The year 2026 marks the centennial anniversary of Route 66, America's most legendary highway—the Mother Road, a symbol of hope, travel, commerce, and culture. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, in partnership with the Route 66 Centennial Commission and communities across the eight states the road traverses, is extending a special invitation to travelers, residents, businesses, and media to join a once-in-a-century journey of celebration, preservation, discovery, and economic revival with a Guide to the Yearlong Centennial Celebration. "From the heartland of Illinois across the plains and deserts to the Pacific in California, Route 66 has been more than pavement—it's been a pathway of hope, of travel, of commerce, of culture," said Bill Thomas, Chair of the Road Ahead Partnership and Commissioner of the Route 66 Centennial Commission. This Centennial is a national moment—an invitation to millions of Americans who live, work, and travel along the route to not just recognize the road's past, but to actively engage its present and help shape its future. The Mother Road helped shape our country's sense of adventure, community, and possibility. As we mark 100 years, we honor that legacy and open new opportunities for the next 100 years, opportunities that you, the audience, can help define. Beginning January 1, 2026, the Centennial year will spotlight the historic 2,448-mile corridor from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, via Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Key Milestones and Events The Centennial year is packed with a diverse range of major, officially designated events, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. January 3–12, 2026 Launch & Caravan: The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure A coast-to-coast rally beginning in Santa Monica, California, and finishing January 12, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, with final display at the Detroit Auto Show, starting January 14. “America’s Automotive Trust is proud to be the first major event celebrating 100 years of our nation’s most iconic highway the way it should be done: by driving its entire length in 10 vintage cars. Most importantly, we will be visiting and celebrating the towns, small businesses, and people who call Route 66 ‘home,” said David Madeira, CEO. "The Detroit Auto Show has long been where the world comes to celebrate both the history of cars and their future — a place where heritage and innovation meet. Welcoming The Drive Home VII caravan to Detroit is an extension of that spirit. These remarkable vehicles will be displayed at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show, giving the public a chance to see, up close, the machines that helped write America’s automotive story as we continue shaping the next chapter,” said Sam Klemet, Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Show and Detroit Auto Dealers Association. April 2, 2026 Rediscover Route 66-One Miniature Mile at a Time journey across Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. April 30-May 2, 2026 Springfield, Missouri, the Birthplace of Route 66, is launching the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration with fun for all ages.
Plus, satellite cities — Joliet, St. Louis, Amarillo, Albuquerque, and Santa Monica — will join the coast-to-coast kickoff with their own celebrations and surprises. “We are thrilled to have the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff in Springfield, Missouri, known as the Birthplace,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. Missouri embodies the spirit of innovation, hospitality, and perseverance that made Route 66 an icon around the world. I’m excited for our state to welcome visitors from near and far as we celebrate a year of honoring this historic highway and the communities that continue to keep its story alive.” June 6-25, 2026 Main Street of America Route 66 Centennial Caravan from Santa Monica to Chicago Hosted by the eight Route 66 State Associations (including the New Mexico Route 66 Association) and The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership. June 20-28, 2026 Route 66 Centennial Great Race From Chicago to Santa Monica. September through December The Main Street of America Rolling Film Premier of The Main Street of America documentary, with screenings currently scheduled in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California State-by-State Spotlights ILLINOIS November 11, 2026 Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration in Springfield, IL – A major conference and celebration marking the centennial. MISSOURI April 11, 2026 A spirited reenactment of the historic Bunion Derby 5K in Lebanon May 29–31, 2026 Pacific’s Route 66 BBQ Battle & Bluegrass Festival June 2-6, 2026 Joplin’s World Street Painting Festival and Rolla’s Route 66 Summerfest September Waynesville’s Hogs & Frogs Festival OKLAHOMA June 27-28, 2026 AAA Route 66 Road Fest, Tulsa, OK - hosted by AAA Insurance TEXAS June 4–13, 2026 Texas Route 66 Festival in Amarillo, with classic car shows, bus tours, and cattle drive parade NEW MEXICO April 30, 2026 Centennial Kick-Off celebration in Albuquerque at historic KiMo Theatre and augmented reality Route 66 Remixed ARIZONA May 1-3, 2026 Route 66 Fun Run - the oldest Route 66 Celebration in the U.S. KANSAS June 3-6, 2026 Galena Days in Galena, KS - annual festival, classic car show, parade, and more CALIFORNIA April 30, 2026 Great Route 66 Centennial Convergence at Santa Monica Pier, 5 p.m. – the symbolic end point of Route 66. Key Partners and Projects Official Publishing Partner Only In Your State – a digital storytelling and travel platform named by the Road Ahead Partnership as the exclusive Official Centennial Publishing Partner. Official Map Provider Rand McNally Publishing – producing the Official Centennial Map of Route 66. Official RV Rental Sponsor Cruise America Whether you're a lifelong Route 66 enthusiast or new to this iconic corridor, the Road Ahead Partnership is inviting the country to:
About the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership Established in 2016 with the support of the National Park Service and the World Monuments Fund, the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership's mission is to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national and international icon through partnerships focused on promotion, preservation, research, education, and economic development. Only In Your State is the official Publishing Partner to the Route 66 Centennial. Founding Sponsors of the Route 66 Centennial include Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission, American Express, Route 66 Road Fest, Travel Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission , Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, Booking.com, Rand McNally Publishing and Cruise America. For more information, visit route66centennial.org. Monthly historical lecture series for Route 66 Centennial in 2026 in and near Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. One day a month (fourth Saturday of evert month, January through November). Thirteen topics. Twelve locations. All events are free and open to the public. Lectures repeat throughout the locations throughout the year. Sponsored by Albuquerque Historical Society, East Mountain Historical Society, Historic Albuquerque, Inc., Los Ranchos Historical Society. Support from City of Albuquerque, City of Rio Rancho, and Bernalillo County. Follow this series on Facebook or visit their website. facebook.com/Route66HistoryTalks Route 66 Speakers route66speakers.org  As the Route 66 centennial approaches, a project built on scale and patience has been named an Official Route 66 Centennial Project. Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time, created by teen photographer Anthony Schmidt, offers a new way of seeing the Mother Road by shrinking it down without diminishing its meaning. The project recreates segments of Route 66 through photography using die-cast model cars placed against real-world backdrops. Historic signage, roadside architecture, pavement, and surrounding landscapes become the stage for carefully composed scenes that echo the full-sized road. Each image functions as a bridge between generations, inviting younger audiences and heritage travelers to reconnect with Route 66 through a format that feels both playful and precise. The journey begins in Chicago on April 2, 2026, and will follow the full length of Route 66 to the Santa Monica Pier. Over 16 to 18 days, Schmidt will document the route mile by mile, translating thousands of miles into a series of small, deliberate moments. The result is a visual narrative that treats the highway not as a blur of distance, but as a collection of places worth stopping for. At 17, Schmidt brings a perspective shaped by curiosity and focus. Based in Georgia, he has developed his photographic voice through a long-standing fascination with cars and miniature models. That interest evolved into a method, and then into a project that reframes how Route 66 can be documented. His work also contributes to a broader rethinking of how creative talent and neurodiversity intersect, emphasizing skill and vision over labels. The centennial designation places the project within the national framework of Route 66’s 100th anniversary. It will be featured on the centennial website, included in promotional efforts, and connected with Route 66 associations, tourism partners, schools, and civic groups along the corridor. The official status also allows the project to carry the centennial mark, linking it visually and symbolically to the larger celebration. Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time reflects the centennial’s larger goal: honoring the road’s past while finding new ways to tell its story. By reducing the scale, the project invites closer attention, reminding viewers that Route 66 is not just measured in miles, but in moments.
Route 66 has been formally recognized not just as a cultural icon, but as a work of engineering that reshaped the nation. The American Society of Civil Engineers has designated the Mother Road a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, acknowledging its role in transforming American transportation and infrastructure as the highway approaches its centennial. Approved by the ASCE board in July, the designation situates Route 66 alongside bridges, canals, and systems that altered how the country moves and connects. When it was established in 1926, Route 66 became the first paved, all-weather highway linking the Midwest to the West Coast. It was a practical solution to a logistical problem, but it quickly became something larger: a corridor of mobility, commerce, and possibility stretching across eight states. The nomination effort reflected that scale. Ten ASCE Sections, representing Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, jointly advanced the proposal, aligning the recognition with the road’s upcoming 100th anniversary in 2026. The timing underscores a shift in how Route 66 is understood, not only as a symbol of freedom and travel, but as a coordinated engineering achievement that set new standards for highway design and construction. As part of the designation, ASCE identified fifteen notable engineering features along the route, highlighting bridges, realignments, and roadway segments that demonstrate technical innovation and historical importance. These include river crossings such as the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi, desert infrastructure like the Rio Puerco Bridge in New Mexico, and urban engineering landmarks including the Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena and the Arroyo Seco Parkway in Los Angeles. Together, these sites trace the evolution of civil engineering across diverse landscapes and decades of use. Since 1964, ASCE’s Historic Civil Engineering Landmark program has worked to preserve significant engineering accomplishments through documentation and public awareness. Inclusion in the program places Route 66 within that lineage, ensuring its engineering story is recorded alongside its cultural mythology. The designation reframes the road as an act of collective problem-solving. Route 66 connected communities, accelerated economic development, and demonstrated how infrastructure could knit a vast country together. As the centennial approaches, the landmark status affirms that the road’s legacy rests as much in concrete and steel as it does in memory and motion. Learn more: www.route66nhcel.us  Research Route 66 is opening the centennial year by slowing things down and listening carefully. Beginning in January, the organization will launch a Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series, a monthly, virtual gathering designed to explore the many stories braided into the Mother Road. The opening session features David Dunaway, whose work centers on voices often left out of the official narrative and the quieter histories that still echo along the pavement. The series is built around the idea that Route 66 is not a single story but a long conversation. Over the course of 2026, speakers will move across subjects that reveal how the highway shaped—and was shaped by—American life. Foodways, Indigenous perspectives, baseball culture, atomic history, and women’s labor all come into view, each topic adding texture to a road too often reduced to postcards and neon. These sessions aim to show Route 66 as a working corridor of ideas and experiences in the twentieth century, one that continues to influence how the nation understands travel, community, and identity. The road becomes less of a relic and more of a living archive. All programs will be offered free of charge and hosted virtually on the second Tuesday of each month throughout the centennial year. Each session begins at 2 p.m. Eastern time, 11 a.m. Pacific, and recordings will be posted to YouTube for those who cannot attend live. The initial lineup includes presentations by Susan Croce Kelly on the invention of Route 66, Cheryl Eichar Jett on women’s work along the road, a multi-voiced discussion of the Mother Road Book featuring Michael Wallis, Ken Busby, and Rhys Martin, T. Lindsay Baker on Route 66 foodways, and a centennial overview by Jim Ross and Shellee Graham. The series will be moderated by Audra Bellmore. The speaker series has been designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Activity by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission, marking it as part of the broader national observance. Registration is currently open for the January session, with additional registration details to follow as the series unfolds. Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series speakers.researchroute66.org  As the Route 66 centennial approaches, a new project is reframing how the road is seen and experienced. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership has announced that the American Indigenous Tourism Association’s Native American Travel App–Route 66 Map Project has been designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project by the Route 66 Centennial Commission. The initiative centers on a digital, interactive map to be hosted on DestinationNativeAmerica.com, designed to guide travelers toward Native Nations, destinations, and cultural attractions along the length of the Mother Road. Rather than treating Indigenous presence as a footnote to the Route 66 story, the project places Native communities where they have always been: at the center of the landscape. Route 66 spans more than 2,400 miles across eight states, running from Chicago to the edge of the Pacific near the Santa Monica Pier. Long before the highway was paved and numbered, this corridor passed through homelands shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous history. The new map acknowledges that continuity, offering travelers a way to engage with living cultures rather than static symbols. The project is intended for all who travel Route 66, whether moving east or west, fast or slow. Its purpose is not simply navigation, but connection. By highlighting Native-owned tourism experiences and destinations, the map encourages a deeper understanding of place and supports economic opportunity rooted in cultural integrity. This effort builds on the American Indigenous Tourism Association’s earlier work, American Indians & Route 66, which documented Indigenous histories tied to the road. The digital map expands that foundation, translating research and storytelling into a practical tool for travelers who want to move beyond the familiar imagery of neon signs and roadside diners. The centennial designation recognizes the importance of including Indigenous perspectives in the official narrative of Route 66. As the nation prepares to celebrate the road’s 100th anniversary, the project serves as a reminder that Route 66 did not create this corridor, but followed paths that already existed. By bringing Native Nations into clearer focus, the map reshapes the Route 66 experience into something more complete. It asks travelers to see the highway not just as a symbol of mobility and freedom, but as a passage through cultures that remain present, resilient, and essential to understanding the full story of the road. American Indigenous Tourism Association americanindigenoustourism.org/route-66-centennial-project Destination Native America destinationnativeamerica.com  The New Mexico Route 66 Association is excited to announce two additional signs in the Roadside Attraction Sign Project have been delivered! Signs were delievered to: Sunset Motel, Moriarty | website Flying C Ranch Travel Center, Encino ( I-40, exit 234) | website The Sunset Motel is a Classic American mid-century motel located on historic Route 66 in Moriarty—35 miles east of Albuquerque on Interstate 40. The family-owned business has been serving guests since 1959 with a history that embodies the spirit of America's most iconic highway. Today, they continue the tradition with clean, comfortable rooms, and friendly service at an affordable price. The motel is the only remaining original Route 66 motel in New Mexico to still be owned by the original family, dating back to 1959 when Elaine and Bill Pogue started the establishment to welcome travelers off of Old 66. Flying C Ranch is a tremendous place to stop when traveling through New Mexico. This store is located on Interstate 40 (Exit 234), about 70 miles east of Albuquerque and 40 miles west of Santa Rosa. Flying C Ranch has the normal selection of merchandise including a selection of T-shirts, bajas, Indian and Mexican made blankets. Fuel, including Diesel Fuel, is available along with 24-hour pay-at-the-pump service, and the onsite Dairy Queen has a large menu available for you any time of the day.  Sunset Motel, Moriarty, New Mexico  Flying C Ranch Travel Center, Encino, New Mexico ( I-40, exit 234) Earlier this year, signs were delivered to:
Joseph’s Bar & Grill, Santa Rosa | website Motel Safari, Tucumcari | website Tee Pee Curios, Tucumcari | Facebook Americana Motel, Tucumcari | website Be sure to visit these supporters of the association and check out their business (and sign)! The New Mexico Route 66 Association is currently accepting applications for additional signs. Please consider ordering soon to receive it in time for the Route 66 centennial in 2026. Additionally, individuals—or companies—may purchase signs for abandoned historic sights. In doing so, a “donated by” line will be included on the sign. Complete information about the Roadside Attraction Sign Project along with an application form can be found online at: https://www.rt66nm.org/roadside-attraction-sign-project.html |
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