Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Roland Penttila

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

In the 1960s, Albuquerque had a theme park showing the west’s history with cowboys, old west towns and Native Americans. The owners collaborated with Fred Harmon who created the comic characters of Red Ryder and Little Beaver. They called it Little Beaver Town, and it was to be a Route 66 main attraction. But, that was not to be.

Speaker: Richard Ruddy

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Ruddy’s talk looks at the impact that Route 66 had on Albuquerque’s main street, Central Avenue. We see downtown grow from before Route 66 was founded to a vibrant business district the Saturday Evening Post said had “a blazing main drag” and which the Chamber of Commerce claimed to be the brightest main street in America. But there is a downside to this growth which the iconic photographs also show as the city today valiantly fights to find a new identity for its central business district.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Sondra Diepen 

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Come on a tour from Texas to Arizona with photographer Sondra Diepen as she exposes the remains of New Mexico’s Route 66 and reveals tales of snakes, rustlers and diners. Sondra will relate how an abandoned trading post covered with faded murals led to 10 years of work uncovering the Mother Road’s ghost towns and neon signs, resulting in a book of over 200 photos documenting former and present tourist attractions.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library  

487 NM 333, Tijeras

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: Roland Penttila

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

In the 1960s, Albuquerque had a theme park showing the west’s history with cowboys, old west towns and Native Americans. The owners collaborated with Fred Harmon who created the comic characters of Red Ryder and Little Beaver. They called it Little Beaver Town, and it was to be a Route 66 main attraction. But, that was not to be.

Speaker: David Montoya

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

David Montoya inherited his grandfather's love and respect for the land. He will share stories about early Los Ranchos history along Route 66, including floods, agriculture, acequias and adventures with his grandfather who helped raise him. He recalls visiting nearby pueblos when he was young and remembered his grandfather spoke Tewa and told him he was proud his family had "Indian blood.”

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Saturday, February 28, 2026 talk canceled at Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

Unfortunately, we will have to cancel the February 28th lecture presentation due to unforseen closure at the Pueblo on that date. 

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Sondra Diepen 

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Come on a tour from Texas to Arizona with photographer Sondra Diepen as she exposes the remains of New Mexico’s Route 66 and reveals tales of snakes, rustlers and diners. Sondra will relate how an abandoned trading post covered with faded murals led to 10 years of work uncovering the Mother Road’s ghost towns and neon signs, resulting in a book of over 200 photos documenting former and present tourist attractions.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library  

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Sondra Diepen 

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

Come on a tour from Texas to Arizona with photographer Sondra Diepen as she exposes the remains of New Mexico’s Route 66 and reveals tales of snakes, rustlers and diners. Sondra will relate how an abandoned trading post covered with faded murals led to 10 years of work uncovering the Mother Road’s ghost towns and neon signs, resulting in a book of over 200 photos documenting former and present tourist attractions.

Speaker: David Montoya

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

David Montoya inherited his grandfather's love and respect for the land. He will share stories about early Los Ranchos history along Route 66, including floods, agriculture, acequias and adventures with his grandfather who helped raise him. He recalls visiting nearby pueblos when he was young and remembered his grandfather spoke Tewa and told him he was proud his family had "Indian blood.”

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Richard Ruddy

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Ruddy’s talk looks at the impact that Route 66 had on Albuquerque’s main street, Central Avenue. We see downtown grow from before Route 66 was founded to a vibrant business district the Saturday Evening Post said had “a blazing main drag” and which the Chamber of Commerce claimed to be the brightest main street in America. But there is a downside to this growth which the iconic photographs also show as the city today valiantly fights to find a new identity for its central business district.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library 

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Roland Penttila

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

In the 1960s, Albuquerque had a theme park showing the west’s history with cowboys, old west towns and Native Americans. The owners collaborated with Fred Harmon who created the comic characters of Red Ryder and Little Beaver. They called it Little Beaver Town, and it was to be a Route 66 main attraction. But, that was not to be.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Gordene MacKenzie

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Who were the residents? What were their lives like? What did they do and how did they survive and use Fourth street (old Route 66)? What was historic Los Ranchos like during the pre-alignment period from 1926- 1937? The Mother Road played a significant role in shaping history and identity even after the realignment and before the Interstate was built.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library 

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: David Montoya

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

David Montoya inherited his grandfather's love and respect for the land. He will share stories about early Los Ranchos history along Route 66, including floods, agriculture, acequias and adventures with his grandfather who helped raise him. He recalls visiting nearby pueblos when he was young and remembered his grandfather spoke Tewa and told him he was proud his family had "Indian blood.”

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Richard Ruddy

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Ruddy’s talk looks at the impact that Route 66 had on Albuquerque’s main street, Central Avenue. We see downtown grow from before Route 66 was founded to a vibrant business district the Saturday Evening Post said had “a blazing main drag” and which the Chamber of Commerce claimed to be the brightest main street in America. But there is a downside to this growth which the iconic photographs also show as the city today valiantly fights to find a new identity for its central business district.

Speaker: David Montoya

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library 

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

David Montoya inherited his grandfather's love and respect for the land. He will share stories about early Los Ranchos history along Route 66, including floods, agriculture, acequias and adventures with his grandfather who helped raise him. He recalls visiting nearby pueblos when he was young and remembered his grandfather spoke Tewa and told him he was proud his family had "Indian blood.”

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Alan Carlson

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

Racing enthusiast, Alan Carlson, will present the dramatic story of Albuquerque's first race track, Cormit Speedway. Cormit was located at the south end of Wyoming Blvd., and quickly had competitors, including Rio Grande Sports Bowl and Speedway Park. Come learn about Albuquerque’s early history of this dangerous sport and the dare-devil drivers. It was on these Albuquerque tracks that the Unsers got their start.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Richard Ruddy

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Ruddy’s talk looks at the impact that Route 66 had on Albuquerque’s main street, Central Avenue. We see downtown grow from before Route 66 was founded to a vibrant business district the Saturday Evening Post said had “a blazing main drag” and which the Chamber of Commerce claimed to be the brightest main street in America. But there is a downside to this growth which the iconic photographs also show as the city today valiantly fights to find a new identity for its central business district.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library 

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Sondra Diepen 

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

Come on a tour from Texas to Arizona with photographer Sondra Diepen as she exposes the remains of New Mexico’s Route 66 and reveals tales of snakes, rustlers and diners. Sondra will relate how an abandoned trading post covered with faded murals led to 10 years of work uncovering the Mother Road’s ghost towns and neon signs, resulting in a book of over 200 photos documenting former and present tourist attractions.

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Gordene MacKenzie

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Who were the residents? What were their lives like? What did they do and how did they survive and use Fourth street (old Route 66)? What was historic Los Ranchos like during the pre-alignment period from 1926- 1937? The Mother Road played a significant role in shaping history and identity even after the realignment and before the Interstate was built.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library 

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Richard Ruddy

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

Ruddy’s talk looks at the impact that Route 66 had on Albuquerque’s main street, Central Avenue. We see downtown grow from before Route 66 was founded to a vibrant business district the Saturday Evening Post said had “a blazing main drag” and which the Chamber of Commerce claimed to be the brightest main street in America. But there is a downside to this growth which the iconic photographs also show as the city today valiantly fights to find a new identity for its central business district.

Speaker: Roland Penttila

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

In the 1960s, Albuquerque had a theme park showing the west’s history with cowboys, old west towns and Native Americans. The owners collaborated with Fred Harmon who created the comic characters of Red Ryder and Little Beaver. They called it Little Beaver Town, and it was to be a Route 66 main attraction. But, that was not to be.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Sondra Diepen 

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

Come on a tour from Texas to Arizona with photographer Sondra Diepen as she exposes the remains of New Mexico’s Route 66 and reveals tales of snakes, rustlers and diners. Sondra will relate how an abandoned trading post covered with faded murals led to 10 years of work uncovering the Mother Road’s ghost towns and neon signs, resulting in a book of over 200 photos documenting former and present tourist attractions.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Gordene MacKenzie

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

Who were the residents? What were their lives like? What did they do and how did they survive and use Fourth street (old Route 66)? What was historic Los Ranchos like during the pre-alignment period from 1926- 1937? The Mother Road played a significant role in shaping history and identity even after the realignment and before the Interstate was built.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library 

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Roland Penttila

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

In the 1960s, Albuquerque had a theme park showing the west’s history with cowboys, old west towns and Native Americans. The owners collaborated with Fred Harmon who created the comic characters of Red Ryder and Little Beaver. They called it Little Beaver Town, and it was to be a Route 66 main attraction. But, that was not to be.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: David Montoya

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

David Montoya inherited his grandfather's love and respect for the land. He will share stories about early Los Ranchos history along Route 66, including floods, agriculture, acequias and adventures with his grandfather who helped raise him. He recalls visiting nearby pueblos when he was young and remembered his grandfather spoke Tewa and told him he was proud his family had "Indian blood.”

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Richard Ruddy

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

Ruddy’s talk looks at the impact that Route 66 had on Albuquerque’s main street, Central Avenue. We see downtown grow from before Route 66 was founded to a vibrant business district the Saturday Evening Post said had “a blazing main drag” and which the Chamber of Commerce claimed to be the brightest main street in America. But there is a downside to this growth which the iconic photographs also show as the city today valiantly fights to find a new identity for its central business district.

Speaker: David Montoya

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

David Montoya inherited his grandfather's love and respect for the land. He will share stories about early Los Ranchos history along Route 66, including floods, agriculture, acequias and adventures with his grandfather who helped raise him. He recalls visiting nearby pueblos when he was young and remembered his grandfather spoke Tewa and told him he was proud his family had "Indian blood.”

Speaker: Alan Carlson

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

Racing enthusiast, Alan Carlson, will present the dramatic story of Albuquerque's first race track, Cormit Speedway. Cormit was located at the south end of Wyoming Blvd., and quickly had competitors, including Rio Grande Sports Bowl and Speedway Park. Come learn about Albuquerque’s early history of this dangerous sport and the dare-devil drivers. It was on these Albuquerque tracks that the Unsers got their start.

Speaker: Roland Penttila

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

In the 1960s, Albuquerque had a theme park showing the west’s history with cowboys, old west towns and Native Americans. The owners collaborated with Fred Harmon who created the comic characters of Red Ryder and Little Beaver. They called it Little Beaver Town, and it was to be a Route 66 main attraction. But, that was not to be.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library  

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library 

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library 

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: David Montoya

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library 

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

David Montoya inherited his grandfather's love and respect for the land. He will share stories about early Los Ranchos history along Route 66, including floods, agriculture, acequias and adventures with his grandfather who helped raise him. He recalls visiting nearby pueblos when he was young and remembered his grandfather spoke Tewa and told him he was proud his family had "Indian blood.”

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library 

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library 

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Sondra Diepen 

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

Come on a tour from Texas to Arizona with photographer Sondra Diepen as she exposes the remains of New Mexico’s Route 66 and reveals tales of snakes, rustlers and diners. Sondra will relate how an abandoned trading post covered with faded murals led to 10 years of work uncovering the Mother Road’s ghost towns and neon signs, resulting in a book of over 200 photos documenting former and present tourist attractions.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library 

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library

8081 Central Ave NW, ABQ

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

The following lectures will not be given at Central & Unser - Patrick J Baca Library, but can be found at other locations:

Agriculture, Architecture, Artists, Bootleggers, and Businesses along the Mother Road in Los Ranchos - Gordene MacKenzie

The Civil War on Route 66 - Jennifer Bohnhoff 

History of Auto Racing in Albuquerque - Alan Carlson

An Iconic View: Route 66 in Downtown Albuquerque - Richard Ruddy

Little Beaver Town - Roland Penttila

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library  

487 NM 333, Tijeras

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Sondra Diepen 

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

Come on a tour from Texas to Arizona with photographer Sondra Diepen as she exposes the remains of New Mexico’s Route 66 and reveals tales of snakes, rustlers and diners. Sondra will relate how an abandoned trading post covered with faded murals led to 10 years of work uncovering the Mother Road’s ghost towns and neon signs, resulting in a book of over 200 photos documenting former and present tourist attractions.

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: David Montoya

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

David Montoya inherited his grandfather's love and respect for the land. He will share stories about early Los Ranchos history along Route 66, including floods, agriculture, acequias and adventures with his grandfather who helped raise him. He recalls visiting nearby pueblos when he was young and remembered his grandfather spoke Tewa and told him he was proud his family had "Indian blood.”

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

East Mountain Library 

487 NM 333, Tijeras

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

The following lectures will not be given at East Mountain Library, but can be found at other locations:

Agriculture, Architecture, Artists, Bootleggers, and Businesses along the Mother Road in Los Ranchos - Gordene MacKenzie

History of Auto Racing in Albuquerque - Alan Carlson

An Iconic View: Route 66 in Downtown Albuquerque - Richard Ruddy

Little Beaver Town - Roland Penttila

Why turn left at Albuquerque? Albuquerque, Route 66 and the many roads that came before. - Abraham Santillanes

Speaker: Roland Penttila

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

In the 1960s, Albuquerque had a theme park showing the west’s history with cowboys, old west towns and Native Americans. The owners collaborated with Fred Harmon who created the comic characters of Red Ryder and Little Beaver. They called it Little Beaver Town, and it was to be a Route 66 main attraction. But, that was not to be.

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: David Montoya

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

David Montoya inherited his grandfather's love and respect for the land. He will share stories about early Los Ranchos history along Route 66, including floods, agriculture, acequias and adventures with his grandfather who helped raise him. He recalls visiting nearby pueblos when he was young and remembered his grandfather spoke Tewa and told him he was proud his family had "Indian blood.”

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Alan Carlson

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

Racing enthusiast, Alan Carlson, will present the dramatic story of Albuquerque's first race track, Cormit Speedway. Cormit was located at the south end of Wyoming Blvd., and quickly had competitors, including Rio Grande Sports Bowl and Speedway Park. Come learn about Albuquerque’s early history of this dangerous sport and the dare-devil drivers. It was on these Albuquerque tracks that the Unsers got their start.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center 

197 Don Pasqual, Los Lunas

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

The following lectures will not be given at Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center, but can be found at other locations:

Agriculture, Architecture, Artists, Bootleggers, and Businesses along the Mother Road in Los Ranchos - Gordene MacKenzie

The Civil War on Route 66 - Jennifer Bohnhoff 

An Iconic View: Route 66 in Downtown Albuquerque - Richard Ruddy

The KiMo Theatre: Fact and Folklore - Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Route 66 New Mexico - Sondra Diepen 

Speaker: Richard Ruddy

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Ruddy’s talk looks at the impact that Route 66 had on Albuquerque’s main street, Central Avenue. We see downtown grow from before Route 66 was founded to a vibrant business district the Saturday Evening Post said had “a blazing main drag” and which the Chamber of Commerce claimed to be the brightest main street in America. But there is a downside to this growth which the iconic photographs also show as the city today valiantly fights to find a new identity for its central business district.

Speaker: Roland Penttila

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

In the 1960s, Albuquerque had a theme park showing the west’s history with cowboys, old west towns and Native Americans. The owners collaborated with Fred Harmon who created the comic characters of Red Ryder and Little Beaver. They called it Little Beaver Town, and it was to be a Route 66 main attraction. But, that was not to be.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

No Route 66 Centennial speaker event at Gutierrez-Hubbell House on September 26 due to Prickly Pear Festival.

No Route 66 Centennial speaker event at Gutierrez-Hubbell House on October 24 due to Fall Farm Festival.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Gutierrez-Hubbell House 

6029 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

The following lectures will not be given at Gutierrez-Hubbell House, but can be found at other locations:

Agriculture, Architecture, Artists, Bootleggers, and Businesses along the Mother Road in Los Ranchos - Gordene MacKenzie

Chinese Merchants of Albuquerque’s Route 66 - Aimee Tang

History of Auto Racing in Albuquerque - Alan Carlson

Land & Acequias along Los Ranchos' Route 66 - David Montoya

Route 66 Connected: A photo-ethnographic exploration of the contemporary Route 66 in New Mexico - Donatella Davanzo

Route 66 New Mexico - Sondra Diepen 

Tijeras Canyon - Five Miles of Road and Hundreds of Stories - Hazel Lathrop

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: David Montoya

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

David Montoya inherited his grandfather's love and respect for the land. He will share stories about early Los Ranchos history along Route 66, including floods, agriculture, acequias and adventures with his grandfather who helped raise him. He recalls visiting nearby pueblos when he was young and remembered his grandfather spoke Tewa and told him he was proud his family had "Indian blood.”

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Roland Penttila

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

In the 1960s, Albuquerque had a theme park showing the west’s history with cowboys, old west towns and Native Americans. The owners collaborated with Fred Harmon who created the comic characters of Red Ryder and Little Beaver. They called it Little Beaver Town, and it was to be a Route 66 main attraction. But, that was not to be.

Speaker: Richard Ruddy

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

International District Library 

7601 Central Ave SE, ABQ

Ruddy’s talk looks at the impact that Route 66 had on Albuquerque’s main street, Central Avenue. We see downtown grow from before Route 66 was founded to a vibrant business district the Saturday Evening Post said had “a blazing main drag” and which the Chamber of Commerce claimed to be the brightest main street in America. But there is a downside to this growth which the iconic photographs also show as the city today valiantly fights to find a new identity for its central business district.

The following lectures will not be given at International District Library, but can be found at other locations:

Agriculture, Architecture, Artists, Bootleggers, and Businesses along the Mother Road in Los Ranchos - Gordene MacKenzie

Chinese Merchants of Albuquerque’s Route 66 - Aimee Tang

History of Auto Racing in Albuquerque - Alan Carlson

Rerouting Route 66 through New Mexico - Roger Zimmerman

Route 66 New Mexico - Sondra Diepen 

Speaker: Sondra Diepen 

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Come on a tour from Texas to Arizona with photographer Sondra Diepen as she exposes the remains of New Mexico’s Route 66 and reveals tales of snakes, rustlers and diners. Sondra will relate how an abandoned trading post covered with faded murals led to 10 years of work uncovering the Mother Road’s ghost towns and neon signs, resulting in a book of over 200 photos documenting former and present tourist attractions.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Roland Penttila

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

In the 1960s, Albuquerque had a theme park showing the west’s history with cowboys, old west towns and Native Americans. The owners collaborated with Fred Harmon who created the comic characters of Red Ryder and Little Beaver. They called it Little Beaver Town, and it was to be a Route 66 main attraction. But, that was not to be.

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Richard Ruddy

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Ruddy’s talk looks at the impact that Route 66 had on Albuquerque’s main street, Central Avenue. We see downtown grow from before Route 66 was founded to a vibrant business district the Saturday Evening Post said had “a blazing main drag” and which the Chamber of Commerce claimed to be the brightest main street in America. But there is a downside to this growth which the iconic photographs also show as the city today valiantly fights to find a new identity for its central business district.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Loma Colorado Library 

755 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

[Placeholder for November lecture at Loma Colorado Library?]

The following lectures will not be given at Loma Colorado Library, but can be found at other locations:

Agriculture, Architecture, Artists, Bootleggers, and Businesses along the Mother Road in Los Ranchos - Gordene MacKenzie

Chinese Merchants of Albuquerque’s Route 66 - Aimee Tang

History of Auto Racing in Albuquerque - Alan Carlson

The KiMo Theatre: Fact and Folklore - Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Land & Acequias along Los Ranchos' Route 66 - David Montoya

Route 66 Connected: A photo-ethnographic exploration of the contemporary Route 66 in New Mexico - Donatella Davanzo

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Sondra Diepen 

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

Come on a tour from Texas to Arizona with photographer Sondra Diepen as she exposes the remains of New Mexico’s Route 66 and reveals tales of snakes, rustlers and diners. Sondra will relate how an abandoned trading post covered with faded murals led to 10 years of work uncovering the Mother Road’s ghost towns and neon signs, resulting in a book of over 200 photos documenting former and present tourist attractions.

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: Gordene MacKenzie

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

Who were the residents? What were their lives like? What did they do and how did they survive and use Fourth street (old Route 66)? What was historic Los Ranchos like during the pre-alignment period from 1926- 1937? The Mother Road played a significant role in shaping history and identity even after the realignment and before the Interstate was built.

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: David Montoya

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Martha Liebert Public Library 

124 W. Malinche St, Bernalillo

David Montoya inherited his grandfather's love and respect for the land. He will share stories about early Los Ranchos history along Route 66, including floods, agriculture, acequias and adventures with his grandfather who helped raise him. He recalls visiting nearby pueblos when he was young and remembered his grandfather spoke Tewa and told him he was proud his family had "Indian blood.”

The following lectures will not be given at Martha Liebert Public Library, but can be found at other locations:

History of Auto Racing in Albuquerque - Alan Carlson

An Iconic View: Route 66 in Downtown Albuquerque - Richard Ruddy

The Italians' Pathway to Prosperity on Albuquerque's Route 66 - Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Little Beaver Town - Roland Penttila

Motels on Route 66/Central Avenue in Albuquerque - Gary Herron

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Saturday, February 28, 2026 talk canceled at Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

Unfortunately, we will have to cancel the February 28th lecture presentation due to unforseen closure at the Pueblo on that date. 

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Alan Carlson

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center 

71 Tribal Road 40, Isleta

Racing enthusiast, Alan Carlson, will present the dramatic story of Albuquerque's first race track, Cormit Speedway. Cormit was located at the south end of Wyoming Blvd., and quickly had competitors, including Rio Grande Sports Bowl and Speedway Park. Come learn about Albuquerque’s early history of this dangerous sport and the dare-devil drivers. It was on these Albuquerque tracks that the Unsers got their start.

The following lectures will not be given at Pueblo of Isleta Cultural Center, but can be found at other locations:

Agriculture, Architecture, Artists, Bootleggers, and Businesses along the Mother Road in Los Ranchos - Gordene MacKenzie

Land & Acequias along Los Ranchos' Route 66 - David Montoya

Little Beaver Town - Roland Penttila

Route 66 New Mexico - Sondra Diepen 

Why turn left at Albuquerque? Albuquerque, Route 66 and the many roads that came before. - Abraham Santillanes

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Richard Ruddy

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

Ruddy’s talk looks at the impact that Route 66 had on Albuquerque’s main street, Central Avenue. We see downtown grow from before Route 66 was founded to a vibrant business district the Saturday Evening Post said had “a blazing main drag” and which the Chamber of Commerce claimed to be the brightest main street in America. But there is a downside to this growth which the iconic photographs also show as the city today valiantly fights to find a new identity for its central business district.

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: David Montoya

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

David Montoya inherited his grandfather's love and respect for the land. He will share stories about early Los Ranchos history along Route 66, including floods, agriculture, acequias and adventures with his grandfather who helped raise him. He recalls visiting nearby pueblos when he was young and remembered his grandfather spoke Tewa and told him he was proud his family had "Indian blood.”

Speaker: Roland Penttila

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Raymond Sanchez Community Center 

9800 4th Street NW, ABQ

In the 1960s, Albuquerque had a theme park showing the west’s history with cowboys, old west towns and Native Americans. The owners collaborated with Fred Harmon who created the comic characters of Red Ryder and Little Beaver. They called it Little Beaver Town, and it was to be a Route 66 main attraction. But, that was not to be.

The following lectures will not be given at Raymond Sanchez Community Center, but can be found at other locations:

Agriculture, Architecture, Artists, Bootleggers, and Businesses along the Mother Road in Los Ranchos - Gordene MacKenzie

History of Auto Racing in Albuquerque - Alan Carlson

North Fourth Street – Albuquerque's Original Route 66 - Joseph Sabatini 

Route 66 Connected: A photo-ethnographic exploration of the contemporary Route 66 in New Mexico - Donatella Davanzo

Route 66 New Mexico - Sondra Diepen 

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: Roland Penttila

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

In the 1960s, Albuquerque had a theme park showing the west’s history with cowboys, old west towns and Native Americans. The owners collaborated with Fred Harmon who created the comic characters of Red Ryder and Little Beaver. They called it Little Beaver Town, and it was to be a Route 66 main attraction. But, that was not to be.

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

South Valley Library 

3904 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

The following lectures will not be given at South Valley Library, but can be found at other locations:

Agriculture, Architecture, Artists, Bootleggers, and Businesses along the Mother Road in Los Ranchos - Gordene MacKenzie

History of Auto Racing in Albuquerque - Alan Carlson

An Iconic View: Route 66 in Downtown Albuquerque - Richard Ruddy

Land & Acequias along Los Ranchos' Route 66 - David Montoya

Route 66 New Mexico - Sondra Diepen 

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Sondra Diepen 

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Come on a tour from Texas to Arizona with photographer Sondra Diepen as she exposes the remains of New Mexico’s Route 66 and reveals tales of snakes, rustlers and diners. Sondra will relate how an abandoned trading post covered with faded murals led to 10 years of work uncovering the Mother Road’s ghost towns and neon signs, resulting in a book of over 200 photos documenting former and present tourist attractions.

Speaker: Richard Ruddy

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Ruddy’s talk looks at the impact that Route 66 had on Albuquerque’s main street, Central Avenue. We see downtown grow from before Route 66 was founded to a vibrant business district the Saturday Evening Post said had “a blazing main drag” and which the Chamber of Commerce claimed to be the brightest main street in America. But there is a downside to this growth which the iconic photographs also show as the city today valiantly fights to find a new identity for its central business district.

Speaker: Gordene MacKenzie

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Who were the residents? What were their lives like? What did they do and how did they survive and use Fourth street (old Route 66)? What was historic Los Ranchos like during the pre-alignment period from 1926- 1937? The Mother Road played a significant role in shaping history and identity even after the realignment and before the Interstate was built.

Speaker: Donatella Davanzo

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

"Route 66 Connected" is an exposition focusing on the tangible and intangible Route 66 heritage. Considering the historic roadside facilities a “living legacy,” the presentation explores their tangible, symbolic, and ethnic features to uncover how they preserve or reinterpret the historic narratives of the Route 66 era.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Special Collections Library 

423 Central Ave NE, ABQ

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

The following lectures will not be given at Special Collections Library, but can be found at other locations:

Chinese Merchants of Albuquerque’s Route 66 - Aimee Tang

History of Auto Racing in Albuquerque - Alan Carlson

Land & Acequias along Los Ranchos' Route 66 - David Montoya

Little Beaver Town - Roland Penttila

Motels on Route 66/Central Avenue in Albuquerque - Gary Herron

Speaker: Hazel Lathrop

Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Tijeras Canyon with Tijeras at the east end and Carnuel at the west end has been an important community for hundreds of years. Communites thrive because of the people who live and work there. This talk focuses on those people and their stories in a time frame of 1900 to 1950.

Speaker: Jacqueline Murray Loring 

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

The Majestic KiMo Theatre on Route 66. For ninety years, hundreds of thousands of adults and children have packed the KiMo theatre to watch ballet, drama, spoken- word, and to listen to poetry readings. Performers have acted, sung, danced, and spellbound audiences with magic. Local filmmakers flock there to watch their indie films come alive on the new silver screen.

Speaker: Abraham Santillanes

Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance.

Speaker: Joseph Sabatini 

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Retired librarian Joe Sabatini will present an illustrated history of Fourth Street, which served as the first Albuquerque alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1937. He describes its evolution as a city street, a federal highway, a suburban commercial strip and a redeveloping urban transit corridor. He uses maps, postcards, photographs and Albuquerque Progress magazine issues to celebrate “the most beautiful ugly street in the world.”

Speaker: Richard Ruddy

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Ruddy’s talk looks at the impact that Route 66 had on Albuquerque’s main street, Central Avenue. We see downtown grow from before Route 66 was founded to a vibrant business district the Saturday Evening Post said had “a blazing main drag” and which the Chamber of Commerce claimed to be the brightest main street in America. But there is a downside to this growth which the iconic photographs also show as the city today valiantly fights to find a new identity for its central business district.

Speaker: Aimee Tang

Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

As Route 66 connected already well-traveled roads from Chicago to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, Chinese merchants on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved ready to be a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road.” This presentation will feature Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Speaker: Gordene MacKenzie

Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Who were the residents? What were their lives like? What did they do and how did they survive and use Fourth street (old Route 66)? What was historic Los Ranchos like during the pre-alignment period from 1926- 1937? The Mother Road played a significant role in shaping history and identity even after the realignment and before the Interstate was built.

Speaker: Roger Zimmerman

Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved.

Speaker: Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Various Italian owned businesses along Albuquerque’s Route 66 began appearing in the early 1900’s on Central Ave and nearby streets. Theaters, shoes and clothing stores, beer gardens, grocery stores, bakeries, and auto repair shops provided the Italians' pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italians' mark on Route 66.

Speaker: Jennifer Bohnhoff 

Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.

Speaker: Gary Herron

Saturday, November 28, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Wheels Museum 

1100 2nd Street SW, ABQ

Who among us hasn’t spent at least one night in a motel in Albuquerque? Back in July 1975, Gary Herron and his then-wife checked into the luxurious Pinon Motel on Central, just west of Wyoming Boulevard. A half-century later, Gary now has an interesting story about the 100 or so motels that once lined Central Avenue, aka Route 66!

The following lectures will not be given at Wheels Museum, but can be found at other locations:

History of Auto Racing in Albuquerque - Alan Carlson

Land & Acequias along Los Ranchos' Route 66 - David Montoya

Little Beaver Town - Roland Penttila

Route 66 Connected: A photo-ethnographic exploration of the contemporary Route 66 in New Mexico - Donatella Davanzo

Route 66 New Mexico - Sondra Diepen