Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit

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 New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe for three days only, August 28-30, bringing the history, stories, and images of the Mother Road to life. The exhibit is FREE and open to the public.

The exhibit features 22 interpretive panels displaying historic information and images, as well as oral histories from Route 66 in New Mexico, artifacts, and art. Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch film screenings in the museum’s auditorium, listen to a panel discussion, and participate in art activities for all ages.

Schedule of activities:

-Saturday, Aug. 29 and Sunday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Watch a three-part documentary series, "Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road" playing in the auditorium throughout both days.

-Saturday, Aug. 29 and Sunday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Car-inspired art activities for all ages led by artist Maria Allison.

-Saturday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Route 66 Story Recording Station where visitors can record memories connected to Route 66.

-Sunday, Aug. 30, 2 p.m.: Special documentary film preview by filmmaker Katrina Parks about atomic history on Route 66 followed by a panel discussion from 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. with members of the Red Water Pond community, filmmaker Katrina Parks, author and journalist Sharon Niederman, and Kaisa Barthuli, Retired Program Director for NPS Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program.

About the Exhibit

The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit is the brainchild of documentary filmmaker, Katrina Parks, who devoted 25 years capturing the memories, struggles, and triumphs of women whose lives intersect with Route 66 in some way. The videos in the exhibit include snippets of Parks’ acclaimed documentaries and new oral histories she has collected. Producer and content developer, Kari Kussmann, who developed numerous lesson plans for Assertion Films, also created special activities for kids visiting the exhibit. Learn more at www.route66exhibit.com.

About the Art Activities

Artist Marla Allison will lead a hands-on Route 66 art activity inspired by the iconic vehicles that have traveled the Mother Road over the past century. Participants will choose from original vehicle illustrations created by Allison, ranging from Model Ts and classic Corvettes to lowriders and Ford Rancheros, then use a variety of art materials to customize and decorate their own designs. This family-friendly activity invites visitors to explore creativity, personal expression, and the many stories that connect people to Route 66. History Museum staff will also lead a license plate design art activity.

About the Atomic Legacy Film Preview and Panel Discussion

A special preview of a new documentary by filmmaker Katrina Parks explores the Atomic Legacy on Route 66 through the story of a Navajo Nation community seeking environmental justice after decades of uranium mining and the continuing legacy of the 1979 Church Rock Nuclear Disaster. The panel discussion will touch on the lasting impacts of the nuclear age in the American Southwest and ongoing efforts to restore and protect affected communities. Panelists include director and filmmaker Katrina Parks, author and journalist Sharon Niederman, Kaisa Barthuli, retired Program Director for NPS Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, and members of the Red Water Pond Community Association Navajo Nation Edith Hood, Bertha Nez, and Jennifer Nez.