Not to miss – Upcoming events
WHEELS Museum Newsletter – Winter 2023 Happy New Year
New Exhibits and Coming Events
Music Event:
Fun event: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at WHEELS on Friday, March 17. Movie, tours, train ride and food celebration. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.
Music Event:
Doug Figgs and Badger. Back by popular demand.
Saturday, April 1, 1:00 PM. at WHEELS, 1100 2nd St. SW.
Reservations only (505) 243 6269. Doug’s show was sold out last year, so call early!
Donation: $10.00. RSVP at (505) 243 6269.
In 2021 Doug was honored with the IWMA Male Performer of the Year award and “The Cowboy Way” received the IWMA Group of the Year award once again! Also in 2021 the song “El Caballo del Fuego” written by Doug Figgs, Floyd Beard, and Mariam was awarded the prestigious “Wrangler Award” from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum! “For several years now I have enjoyed listening to Doug’s recordings and live performances. He’s an excellent songwriter, picker and singer whose poignant western songs stem from his cowboy lifestyle in New Mexico. He’s a Spur Award winner for good reason. His songs tell vivid stories from the frontier and the modern day west. Though Doug is quickly becoming a favorite on the western music scene, his tunes transcend all genres. I can’t imagine who wouldn’t enjoy listening to a Doug Figgs song!” Mike Blakely
For more about Doug see: https://www.dougfiggs.com/
Author/Speaker Event:
Ronn Perea. “Historic Albuquerque”
Saturday, April 8 at 11:00 AM at WHEELS, 1100 2nd St. SW.
Reservations (505) 243 6269.
Ronn is a great story teller, comedian and lover of Albuquerque and New Mexico History. He is a WHEELS docent and has written 5 books delving into our history. His talk will be full of old Albuquerque anecdotes including delightful stories about our beloved Alvarado Hotel and the politicians, actors and entertainers who stayed there.
This is a free event but, of course, donations are always appreciated. Ronn’s books will be on sale.
For more about Ronn, see: https://ronnperea.com/-l9OM0b6HK66zvSz6recm*t-/
Trip to Chimayo – Saturday, April 22. Please join us for another WHEELS sponsored trip to historic landmarks of the Southwest. See poster below for details.
Train trip to the Grand Canyon – May 19-May 23. Only a few spaces left.
This trip will be scheduled through Amtrak Vacations as a Grand Canyon Getaway. North America’s greatest natural monument awaits you on your Grand Canyon Getaway! Your exploration begins in Williams, Arizona, where you will be surrounded by nature in a quaint Route 66 town. Then, you will climb aboard the Grand Canyon Railway for a journey through a beautiful stretch of ponderosa pine forest to one of the seven wonders of the world: The Grand Canyon. At the South Rim, you will be treated to a tour and experience the Canyon in all its majesty. Keep your camera handy!
The trip will include the Amtrak trip from Albuquerque to Williams, the Grand Canyon Railway trip from Williams to the canyon and back, and then the return trip to Albuquerque by Amtrak. Lodging is included: Friday night will be at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, Saturday will be at the Maswik Lodge at the Grand Canyon, and Sunday will be back at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. The Fred Harvey Restaurant will provide breakfast on Saturday morning and dinner on Sunday night. All other meals will be on your own. On Saturday you will enjoy a Motorcoach Freedom Rim Tour of the South Rim of the canyon. This will leave plenty of time for you to explore the Grand Canyon on your own on Saturday and Williams while you are there.
Call Leba or Janet at 505-243-6269 for reservations or more information.
New Exhibits:
Lego Train – The New Mexico Lego Users Group has partnered with WHEELS to have a beautiful Lego Train layout for children of all ages to enjoy. The exhibit will vary from season to season and we invite you to come see this new Lego train exhibit.
For more about the Lego group or if interested in joining see: https://lan.lego.com/clubs/208-nmlug-new-mexico-lego-user-group/#_=_
Exhibits coming soon:
WHEELS will soon have an HO Gauge size model layout of the historic ATSF Railyard Roundhouse and Turntable. This was one of the most significant buildings in Albuquerque’s history, but was demolished in 1986. The model will join our Alvarado Hotel model in our effort to provide important education and reminders of our city’s lost architectural treasures.
Race fans will soon see exhibits reminding us of the glories of Albuquerque car racing with posters and pictures of Old Speedway Park; the center of action in the 1960’s.
The City of Albuquerque is working with WHEELS to improve our facilities. Mayor Tim Keller visited us recently and saw the many new things we have to offer since his last visit. The City has promised us to add guiderails along the east and west side loading docks for added safety and ADA compliance. We also will have newly remodeled restrooms and a hallway access that will be ADA compliant. The City has promised completion of these important additions in the very near future.
Help wanted:
Volunteers are always welcome at WHEELS. We especially need more volunteers as we add Saturday visiting times to the museum.
We are seeking an E-bay “expert” to post and handle items for sale. We currently have some rare clothing items, railroad memorabilia and china and crystal. If interested, please call Leba at (505) 243-6269 .We will pay the right person to work on a commission basis.
WHEELS will be asking the NM Legislature for funds to continue our project to add new track next to the museum for full size rail car exhibits. We are also seeking for funds for WHEELS development as the Railyards develop. If you can help or simply know legislators who might help please contact Leba at (505) 243-2629.
Judy Muldawer