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 Italian’s    pathway to prosperity. Each of the families and businesses will be introduced providing a glimpse into the Italian’s mark on Route 66. Presented by Lynne Peckinpaugh.

This is part of a rotating series of speakers that will offer presentations at these locations in 2026: Raymond Sanchez Community Center; Martha Liebert Public Library; Gutierrez-Hubbell House; International District Library; Isleta Pueblo Cultural Center;  Los Lunas Multigenerational Center; Special Collections Library, East Mountain Library, Central and Unser Library, and the Wheels Museum. Find out more information here.