STATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE — In celebration of both the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and America’s 250th birthday, the “Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit” is coming to the Wheels Museum in Albuquerque for two days only, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., May 6, and 9 a.m.–12 p.m., May 7, to bring the history, stories and images of the Mother Road to life.
Opening day, May 6, features an intriguing panel discussion and more at the Wheels Museum. Routes Bicycle Rentals is also leading a special bike with guided Urban Art Bike Tour, with a stop at the exhibit, inclusive of commemorative stickers and Italian ice after the tour. The panel of speakers will start at 1 p.m.
Panel of speakers on May 6 include:
Organizer/filmmaker Katrina Parks and educational content developer Kari Kussmann; Kaisa Barthuli, Corridor Preservation Program Director for NPS Route 66 Corridor Preservation; Mark Boohoo, City of Albuquerque Community Policing Council; Sharon Niederman, NM photographer and writer, featured in Parks’ documentary; Donatella Davazno, documentary photographer, featured in Parks’ documentary; and Dr. Audra Bellmore, Curator/professor from UNM Center for SW Research
More than 22 interpretive panels displaying historic information and stories intertwined with Route 66; mini-documentary taken from the documentary, Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road; panel of speakers; school groups on May 7 (only) will be at the Gallery.
The exhibit is the brainchild of documentary filmmaker, Katrina Parks, who devoted 10 years capturing the memories, struggles and triumphs of women whose lives crossed Route 66 in some way. Snippets of Parks’ acclaimed three-episode PBS documentary, Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road, will be available to view at the event.
Through the exhibit, the public can discover:
- How Route 66 disrupted the lives of indigenous people here in NM;
- The role of Route 66 in women’s suffrage and opportunities for growth;
- Route 66’s impact on shaping Hispanic-owned businesses in NM; and more.