Route 66 New Mexico Magazine Earns National Recognition

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.
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Learn more about the commission at https://www.route66-centennial.com/​