Who Are We?

Established in 1989 and still kickin' in the 21st Century...

We're a group of passionate individuals and businesses who want to share the
Kicks on Route 66! 

We are dedicated to education, promotion, and preservation of New Mexico’s
​Historic Route 66 Scenic Byway and economic revitalization along its 604 mile stretch throughout the state since 1989.

​​The New Mexico Route 66 Association has been recognized...

National Scenic Byways Best Practices Recognition
2003 Preservation Project of the Year: Route 66 Magazine
2003 Regional Emmy Award Winner: Best Cultural Documentary "Route 66 The Neon Road"
2004 NM Heritage Preservation Award​
​

Our Officers

Our Officers provide volunteer support in a million ways that help us further our mission.  They bring their specific talents and time to our organization and we are so thankful for their tireless enthusiasm and support. 

​Melissa Lea Beasley: President
Sue Montgomery: Vice-President
Paul Mclaughlin: Secretary
Jennifer Lazarz: Treasurer​

Our Board of Directors  (2022-2024)

Our Board of Directors bring their specific talents and time to our organization and we are so thankful for their tireless enthusiasm
​and support.  

​Vickie Ashcraft
Alan Carlson
Jennifer Lazarz
Connie Loveland​
​Johnnie Meier
David Nidel
Roland Penttila
​Larry Plath
Michelle Williams​

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Our Committees 

Membership Services
Sue Montgomery 

Becoming a member provides some additional perks, which include regular updates and communication with the Association and opportunities to attend and sponsor events and activities that support our mission. 
​

Preservation 
Johnnie Meier 

​We encourage everyone to sign the petition and help us sway Congress to name Route 66 as one of America’s National Historic Trail.  If Route 66 achieves this federal designation, it would mean reinvestment and more people to help preserve and enjoy the communities, culture and businesses along the way. It would permanently be recognized for it’s contribution to our American history.

Neon Preservation 
Johnnie Meier

​As a group, we helped to restore nine vintage Route 66 neon signs to their former brilliance. From the wonderful TeePee Curio Shop sign in Tucumcari, to the wild and crazy neon Rotosphere in Santa Rosa, to the elegant Lexington Hotel sign in Gallup, the beauty and artistry of classic neon is once again dazzling and delighting Route 66 enthusiasts.

Motor Tours
Melissa Lea Beasley and Andy House

Planning, organizing and executing a Motor Tour is a labor of love.  This year's tour was ready to roll when the Corona Virus hit and we had to postpone.  In 2021, people will need to get out and have an adventure!  We'll be back just in time with an amazing tour!  

Archivist  
Dave Nidel 

​A veritable wealth of information is in our archive here, but if you have photos or other historically significant information to share, Please do let Dave know. Our guidelines require provenance and other secondary verification, but we know there must be plenty of photos, stories, news articles and more out there. 
​ 

Website Services 
Robin Byrne

​A native New Mexican, she has crafted this site for maximum information and as a living  resource for the Association.  

Social Media
​​Vickie Ashcraft

If Route 66 were a person, they would be a social butterfly!  We invite you to Follow us, Like us, and let us hear from you about your adventures!  We'd love to know where your travels take you along the Mother Road. 
​

Merchandising 
Darryl Willison 

​All of our merchandise sales benefit the organizations goals for preservation and promotion projects.  We do offer some limited edition opportunities to local artists. If you are an artist or have the rights to come cleverly designed products, please contact Darryl so we can work out a fair percentage for your artistic efforts as well.  

NM Route 66 Magazine 
Melissa Lea Beasley

​Melissa's creativity knows no bounds and her bio reflects that passion. An award-winning artist and fashion designer as well as an educator and entrepreneur. She is a talented "connector" and naturally blends her network of artists, educators and business people together for the greater good.