Acoma Curio Shop facts for kids
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Acoma Curio Shop
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Acoma Curio Shop in San Fidel, New Mexico
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 Location in New Mexico
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1090 NM 124, San Fidel, New Mexico |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1937 |
| MPS | Route 66 through New Mexico MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000817 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 7, 2009 |
The Acoma Curio Shop was once a popular souvenir shop located along the famous historic road, U.S. Route 66, in San Fidel, New Mexico. It's a special place because of its history and connection to Native American culture.
A Special Shop on Route 66
The building that became the Acoma Curio Shop was first built in 1916. It was started by Abdoo Fidel, who was an immigrant from Lebanon. At first, it was a general store, selling all sorts of everyday items to people in the area.
In 1937, something changed. Abdoo Fidel decided to start selling unique items called "curios." These were special crafts made by Native American artists. Tourists traveling along Route 66 loved to stop and buy these souvenirs.
What made Fidel's shop stand out was that he only sold curios made by people from the Acoma Pueblo. This was different from many other souvenir shops back then. Most other shops sold copies of Native American crafts or items made by many different tribes. Fidel's focus on authentic Acoma Pueblo crafts made his shop very special.
What is it Now?
In 1941, Abdoo Fidel closed the curio shop. He went back to selling general goods again. Today, the building has a new life. It is now an art gallery called Gallery 66.
The Acoma Curio Shop building is important because of its history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 7, 2009. This means it's recognized as a place that is important to the history of the United States.
