Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook at Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott AZ

In this engaging episode of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes storyteller, historian, filmmaker, and reenactor Ray Herbeck Jr. for a conversation that feels less like an interview and more like sitting around a campfire—swapping stories that somehow connect childhood curiosity to cinematic history.

A Childhood Spark That Lit a Lifetime

The story begins not in Hollywood—but in a war surplus store in Los Angeles, and a young boy inspired by Fess Parker and a coonskin cap.

But the real turning point came during a childhood trip to Arkansas. At the historic Pea Ridge Battlefield, young Ray encountered living history in the most unforgettable way—through a woman who had actually been there as an infant during the Civil War. Her story, combined with a gifted musket ball, ignited something lasting.

Route 66, Guitars, and the Road to Storytelling

After high school, Ray set out across the country—Jeep packed, guitar in hand—traveling along Route 66 and visiting Civil War battlefields from Gettysburg to Shiloh.

From Journalism to the Movie Business

Ray's path took a practical turn into journalism—eventually landing him at Billboard Magazine, where he interviewed major figures and learned the craft of storytelling.

But one conversation changed everything—and launched him into Hollywood.

North and South and Beyond

Ray became part of the landmark miniseries North and South, helping bring historical authenticity through reenactors and deep historical knowledge.

Glory and Legacy

His work on the film Glory helped shape one of the most powerful Civil War films ever produced, including the recruitment of historically accurate reenactors.

From Film to Fiction

Ray continues his storytelling journey through historical novels, including his latest work, Ironclad Crinolines.

Back Home in Prescott

Today, Ray and his wife Ruth bring history to life through reenactments and community involvement at Sharlot Hall Museum.

Things to Remember

• One small moment can ignite a lifelong passion

• Curiosity leads to calling

• Opportunity favors the prepared

Things to Share

• Share this story with someone who loves history

• Encourage others to explore their own story

Things to Take Action On

• Visit a museum

• Record a story

• Write your own history

Challenge

Find your "musket ball moment." What moment shaped your life?

Final Word

History isn't just behind us—it's alive in the stories we choose to tell.

here are roads… and then there are legends. On this special edition of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes performer, storyteller, and Route 66 ambassador Nicole Brandon for a lively, heartfelt journey down America's most famous highway—the Mother Road. This is more than a program. It's an invitation. A Road That Still Lives and Breathes Route 66 is not just a highway—it's a living story. From its official birth in 1926 under the U.S. Highway Act to its rise in literature, music, film, and family memory, Route 66 has become a symbol of movement, hope, and discovery. As Rosebrook reminds listeners, this isn't ancient history—it's living history, experienced by multiple generations. From Atlantic City to the Mother Road Nicole Brandon's story adds a powerful human dimension to the journey. A world-class performer since childhood, Nicole brings a rare combination of talent, curiosity, and heartfelt storytelling to the stage. Her show, "Route 66 to the Grand Canyon," is interactive storytelling where the audience becomes part of the experience. Where History Meets Imagination The program captures Route 66 through history, culture, personal experience, and performance. A Show on the Move The production is currently performing in Arizona and will travel along Route 66, bringing the story back to the people and places that made it famous. Why This Program Matters Now Route 66 turns 100 while America approaches its 250th anniversary. In a fast-paced world, Route 66 reminds us that the journey, the people, and the stories matter. Things to Remember - Route 66 connects generations - It lives through culture and memory - The centennial is a rare opportunity Things to Share - Share stories of the road - Invite others to explore its meaning - Encourage live experiences Things to Take Note of and Act On - Attend Route 66 events - Travel the road - Capture your own story A Final Word The road is still there. The stories are still waiting. Get moving. Get curious. Get connected. Your story is waiting on the road.

In a warm and engaging episode of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes a very special guest to the historic setting of the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona—Alison Goldwater. What unfolds is more than an interview. It is a journey into Arizona's past, a rediscovery of a legendary figure, and a heartfelt mission to preserve a visual heritage for generations to come.

A Family Story That Built a State

The conversation begins with a delightful step back in time—into the early days of Arizona commerce and community building. The Goldwater name, long associated with Arizona, wasn't just political—it was foundational. From mercantile roots and wagon deliveries across rugged terrain to becoming one of the most respected retail names in the Southwest, the Goldwater family helped shape the very fabric of the region.

There's even a bit of humor tucked into the history: tales of tough, determined merchants delivering goods by wagon—and making sure no one tampered with them along the way. It's a reminder that the Old West wasn't just about miners—it was built by merchants, families, and communities working together.

Beyond Politics: The Renaissance Man

Of course, the name Barry Goldwater looms large. But as Alison shares, the public figure only scratches the surface.

Her grandfather was:

- A pioneering photographer

- A pilot who flew dangerous wartime routes

- A lover of the land and its people

- A communicator who connected families during wartime

- And above all, a deeply curious and creative human being

Listeners are invited to rediscover Goldwater not as a political icon, but as a Renaissance man—someone whose life blended art, service, adventure, and leadership.

The Hidden Treasure: 17,000 Images of Arizona

What makes this episode truly compelling is Alison's mission.

After discovering the vast archive of her grandfather's photographic work—thousands of negatives dating back to the 1930s—she realized something urgent: these images were at risk of being lost.

So she took action.

She launched a foundation dedicated to:

- Digitizing over 13,000–17,000 photographs

- Restoring aging film and color images

- Preserving Arizona's visual history

- Bringing these works back into public view

In a story that feels almost cinematic, Alison even transported reels of fragile film across the country to begin the painstaking process of restoration.

Arizona Through His Eyes

Barry Goldwater's photography is more than art—it's storytelling.

Through his lens, we see:

- Navajo and Hopi communities with dignity and depth

- Vast desert landscapes before modern development

- Aerial views captured from his own flights

- Intimate portraits of people, places, and moments

These images reflect a man who didn't just live in Arizona—he knew it, traveled it, and loved it.

And perhaps most importantly, he served its people—sometimes quietly, even personally helping individuals in need without recognition.

A Living Legacy: Art, Community, and Giving Back

Alison's work comes to life in a special event: the Barry M. Goldwater Photography Inaugural Preview and Sale, held at the historic Cattle Track Arts & Preservation in Scottsdale, Arizona.

For the first time ever:

- The public can purchase Goldwater's photography

- Proceeds support preservation efforts

- The next generation of artists is supported

This isn't just an art show—it's a bridge between past and future.

The Heart of the Story

What makes this episode unforgettable is its spirit.

It's about:

- Family legacy

- Rediscovery

- Stewardship of history

- And the simple but powerful act of caring enough to preserve what matters

As Stuart and Alison reflect, Arizona has always attracted remarkable people—and those people, in turn, shape the story of the place.

Things to Remember

- History isn't just written—it's captured, often through unexpected mediums like photography.

- Great leaders are often multidimensional; Barry Goldwater's artistic life reveals a deeper legacy.

- Preservation is a responsibility—what we save today becomes the inheritance of tomorrow.

Things to Share

- The story of the Goldwater family as builders of early Arizona

- The lesser-known artistic side of Barry Goldwater

- Alison Goldwater's mission to digitize and protect historical images

- The idea that every family—and every community—has stories worth preserving

Take Note & Take Action

- Reflect on your own family history—what stories or images need preserving?

- Support museums, archives, and foundations that protect cultural heritage

- Attend events like this exhibit—or explore them online—to stay connected to history

- Consider how your own life's work might leave a legacy for others

A Closing Word

There is something deeply encouraging about this conversation.

It reminds us that history is not static—it lives through people who care enough to carry it forward.

With gratitude, we celebrate voices like Alison Goldwater's, programs like Arizona Roundup, and institutions like the Sharlot Hall Museum that keep these stories alive.

And as always—

keep listening, keep learning, and if you find yourself in Prescott… stop in, say hello, and become part of the story.

Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook continues its exploration of the people, places, and stories that shape the heritage of Arizona. in this engaging episode, Rosebrook welcomes Nate Myers, Executive Director of the Sedona Heritage Museum, for a lively and thoughtful conversation about Sedona's past, the importance of preserving community history, and the fascinating stories behind one of Arizona'smost beloved destinations.

From Upstate New York Snow to Arizona Sunshine

Nate Myers' personal story adds a warm and relatable dimension to the conversation. Born in Syracuse and raised partly in upstate New York after earlier family years in Arizona, Myers eventually found his way back to the Southwest. After studying history and trumpet performance in college, he initially tried teaching but soon realized that the classroom was not where he was meant to stay.

Instead, a chance opportunity at the Chandler Museum opened a door he hadn't expected. Within a week of starting the job, he knewhe had discovered his calling. Museums, he realized, offered a unique way to connect people with the past while building stronger communities in the present.

Why Museums Matter

Myers credits mentors like respected public historian Dr. Noel Stowe and longtime Chandler Museum director Jody Crago for helping shape his approach to museum leadership. Their influence reinforced a key idea: museums should not simply store artifacts—they should actively involve the community and help people understand the stories that shaped their region. In an era when life moves quickly and information comes in fragments, institutions like local museums provide something rare: perspective and continuity.

How the Road Put Sedona on the Map

One of the most fascinating segments of the program focuses on transportation history. Myers explains how Route 66 and the development of Highway 89A helped transform Sedona from an isolated canyon community into an internationally known destination.

When Route 66 was completed in 1926, it dramatically increased travel across northern Arizona. That surge in motorists made it clear that Sedona needed better access. Improvements through Oak Creek Canyon and the completion of Midgley Bridge in 1939 opened the area to tourism and new economic growth. The lesson is timeless: access changes destiny.

From Western Movies to Global Destination

Sedona's striking landscape soon attracted filmmakers. Its red rock formations and canyon scenery became a natural backdrop for Western films during the golden age of Hollywood.

One particularly memorable example is the John Wayne classic Angel and the Badman. Republic Studios constructed an entire Western movie set in Sedona for the film. While most of that set eventually disappeared, the Sedona Heritage Museum preserves the only surviving building from that production—the telegraph office featured in the movie.

Visitors today can still see that piece of cinematic history.

A Museum That Welcomes Visitors

The Sedona Heritage Museum continues to bring the region's story to life with exhibits, speaker series, demonstrations, and community programs. A major upcoming exhibit titled "The Road is Life" explores Sedona's relationship with Route 66 and the history of road travel in northern Arizona.

Located on the historic Jordan property, once part of a working orchard, the museum offers visitors a personal and intimate connection to Sedona's heritage.

Things to Remember

Sedona's rise as a world‑famous destination was shaped not only by its natural beauty but by infrastructure, storytelling, and community leadership. Careers often emerge from unexpected opportunities. Nate Myers' journey into museum work is a reminder that curiosity can lead to meaningful work. Museums play a vital role in preserving identity and strengthening communities.

Things to Share

Share this Arizona Roundup episode with history lovers, travelers, and anyone who appreciates the deeper story behind beloved places. Share the idea that preserving community history helps future generations understand where they came from and where they are going.

Things to Take Notice Of and Act Upon

Plan a visit to the Sedona Heritage Museum to explore its exhibits, events, and programs.

Support local museums and historical organizations that work to preserve community memory.

Consider how the story of access and connection—roads to Sedona—applies to your own life and work.

Closing Thought

Sedona may be famous for its red rocks and breathtaking scenery, but this Arizona Roundup conversation reminds us that behind every beautiful landscape lies a deeper human story. Roads were built, communities were formed, and people worked carefully to preserve the history that defines the region today. Thanks to leaders like Nate Myers and institutions like the Sedona Heritage Museum, that story continues to inspire new generations of visitors and residents alike.

In the wide-open spaces of the American West, some traditions refuse to fade into history. They live on through the people who love them, preserve them, and invite the rest of us to experience them. One of those people is Russell True—longtime rancher, author, historian, and steward of the Western guest-ranch tradition. In a recent episode of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomed True to share stories from more than six decades of life in the saddle and in the hospitality business. The conversation, recorded in partnership with the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, is more than an interview—it is a celebration of a Western tradition that continues to inspire travelers from around the world. FROM SNOWSTORMS TO THE SONORAN DESERT The story of White Stallion Ranch begins with a blizzard. In 1965, Russell True's parents were living in Denver when a late spring snowstorm finally convinced his father that enough was enough. He boarded a plane to Arizona looking for sunshine—and perhaps a new life. What he found was a rundown guest ranch outside Tucson. It was hardly a sure thing. Russell recalls that when his mother first saw the property, she famously declared it "the worst idea you've ever had." But then she looked south at the rugged peaks of the Sonoran Desert and made a simple request: "If I can wake up every morning and see those mountains, we'll give it a try." Sixty years later, those same mountains still frame the ranch—and the True family's life story. A CENTURY OF DUDE RANCHING The conversation also arrives at a remarkable moment in Western history. The Dude Ranchers Association is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1926—during the golden age of rail travel—the association helped promote guest ranch vacations across the West. Railroads discovered that city dwellers were eager to leave crowded streets behind and experience the wide-open landscapes of Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, and New Mexico. Dude ranches became the original Western destination vacation. At one time, Arizona alone boasted more than 300 dude ranches, with Tucson serving as one of the greatest concentrations anywhere in the West. Today, far fewer remain—but those that do carry forward a living tradition. A RANCH THAT CHANGES LIVES For many guests, a visit to a dude ranch is not just a vacation—it becomes part of their life story. Russell True shared a powerful example. Recently, the ranch family gathered to spread the ashes of a longtime guest at the base of Panther Peak. The man had first visited as a child and had spent 67 of his 80 years returning to the ranch. Stories like that are common in the guest-ranch world. Families return year after year, generation after generation, drawn by the same simple pleasures: • Riding horses through desert trails • Watching the sunrise over cactus-covered hills • Sharing meals and laughter with new friends • Living—if only for a few days—the rhythm of the West As True puts it, dude ranchers believe something deeply: people need this experience now more than ever. KEEPING THE WESTERN TRADITION ALIVE Over the years, Russell True and his partners have expanded their stewardship of historic ranch properties through the True Ranch Collection. Their work includes restoring and operating several unique Western destinations, including Rancho de la Osa, whose adobe buildings date back to the early 1700s. That ranch alone holds remarkable history: • Spanish mission outposts from the early colonial period • Visits by U.S. presidents including Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson • Connections to Western legends like John Wayne and Zane Grey • Even stories linked to Pancho Villa and the Mexican Revolution In the West, history is never far from the saddle. HONORING A TRUE WESTERNER Russell True's lifelong work preserving ranching heritage has not gone unnoticed. This year he will receive the True Westerner Award from True West Magazine, honoring individuals who help keep the spirit of the West alive. It is a fitting recognition for someone who has spent a lifetime welcoming travelers to experience Western life firsthand. THINGS TO REMEMBER • Dude ranches were among the first destination vacation experiences in the American West. • Arizona once hosted hundreds of guest ranches, with Tucson a major hub. • Ranches like White Stallion continue to preserve Western culture, horsemanship, and hospitality. • For many guests, a dude ranch becomes a lifelong tradition shared across generations. THINGS TO SHARE • The American West is not just history—it is still alive in places like guest ranches. • Experiences rooted in nature, community, and tradition are increasingly valuable in today's busy world. • A week at a dude ranch may offer more lasting memories than many modern vacations. THINGS TO DO • Listen to the Arizona Roundup program featuring Russell True. • Visit the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, to explore the region's remarkable Western heritage. • Consider planning your own Western adventure at a classic guest ranch like White Stallion Ranch. FINAL THOUGHT The West has always been more than a place. It is an experience—of open skies, honest work, strong horses, and friendships formed around campfires and long rides. Thanks to ranchers like Russell True, that experience remains alive for new generations to discover.

In this episode of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes Prescott resident and living-history presenter Brenda Cusick for a fast-moving, story-rich conversation about two remarkable women who helped shape Arizona—and a third whose influence ties them together like a well-built bridge: artist Kate T. Corey, civic powerhouse Grace Sparks, and historian-founder Charlotte Hall. What starts as a preview of an upcoming Sharlot Hall Museum program becomes something bigger: a lively, sometimes funny, and often inspiring tour through early Arizona—told through the lives of three women who didn't just participate in history… they made it.

The Program's Big Idea

Brenda Cusick has become an expert interpreter of Kate Corey and Grace Sparks, and Stuart frames the conversation around a compelling truth: Prescott wasn't simply a quiet mountain town in the early 1900s—it was an influential cultural and civic hub. And these women helped keep it that way. Kate Corey: painter, photographer, diarist, ethnographic observer, educator—an artist who became her own "art colony." Grace Sparks: the practical force who kept Prescott visible, viable, and vibrant through tourism, public works, preservation, and promotion. Charlotte Hall: a woman of letters and history whose leadership helped preserve Arizona's story—and whose legacy lives on through the museum itself.

Meet Kate Corey: Manhattan Socialite to Hopi Mesa Adventurer

Kate Corey's story begins in the Gilded Age of Manhattan. After the deaths of her parents, she buys a round-trip train ticket west in 1905—pursuing an artistic vision that takes her to the Hopi Mesas. When the artist who inspired her journey never arrives, she declares, "I am the art colony. It's me." She steps off the train in Canyon Diablo, rides under vast desert skies, lives among the Hopi people, and ultimately writes an English-to-Hopi dictionary when none exists. Her diaries, artwork, photography, poetry, and advocacy reveal a woman of extraordinary independence and vision.

Why Prescott? Thumb Butte and a Pueblo Home

After years on the mesas, Kate chooses Prescott. Drawn by the forest and especially Thumb Butte, she builds a small pueblo-style home with the help of Hopi friends. She writes an epic poem, The Legend of Thumb Butte, and creates a body of work that spans Hopi portraiture, landscapes, flora, and desert imagery. Her life stretches from the Civil War era to the atomic age—an extraordinary arc of American transformation witnessed through the eyes of a determined Western artist.

Enter Grace Sparks: Civic Vision in Action

If Kate Corey brought artistic depth, Grace Sparks brought civic drive. Through her work with early tourism, promotion, and preservation efforts, Sparks helped ensure Prescott remained culturally relevant and economically viable. She played a role in sustaining major community institutions and is credited with helping rescue the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo when it was near bankruptcy—demonstrating that civic leadership requires imagination as well as grit.

A Balanced Trinity of Influence

Together, Charlotte Hall, Kate Corey, and Grace Sparks form a remarkable trio. Charlotte preserved history. Kate recorded culture through art and writing. Grace built the civic structure that allowed both memory and growth to thrive. Their combined influence shaped not only Prescott's story—but Arizona's identity.

Special Invitation: Twilight Tales at Sharlot Hall Museum

On March 10 at 5:00 PM, Brenda Cusick presents a one-woman interpretation of Kate Corey at the Sharlot Hall Museum as part of the Twilight Tales series. The evening will include special artwork displays, light refreshments, and an opportunity to experience Kate's story as a living voice from Arizona's past.

Things to Remember, Share, and Act Upon

• History is often shaped by those who refuse to shrink. • "I am the art colony. It's me." • Communities thrive when art, preservation, and civic leadership work together. Attend the Twilight Tales program. Visit Prescott's museums. Share these stories. Elevate these women to the level of recognition they deserve.

Closing

This Arizona Roundup episode reminds us that communities don't drift into significance—they are built by people with grit, imagination, and conviction. If you love Western history, civic storytelling, and the untold heroes of Arizona, this episode—and the Sharlot Hall Museum—offer a powerful place to begin.

When Stuart Rosebrook welcomed New York Times bestselling author Chris Enss to Arizona Roundup at Sharlot Hall Museum, Western history enthusiasts knew they were in for something special. Enss has built a formidable reputation among Western buffs, not merely as a storyteller, but as a restorer of record — a historian who brings the women of the American West back into full, living color.

In this compelling episode, the conversation ranges from frontier weather journals to Wild West arenas to the earliest days of Hollywood stunt work. But at its heart, the program centers on Enss's newest book, Daughters of Daring — a vivid chronicle of cowgirls, sharpshooters, riders, and aviators who shaped Western entertainment long before most audiences realized they were watching pioneers.

From Frontier Grit to Center Stage

Enss reminds listeners that Western women were never passive observers of history. In ranch journals and homestead diaries, weather reports doubled as survival manuals. Snowpack, drought, runoff — these were not abstractions. They were the difference between success and failure.

From that crucible of hard-earned skill emerged a generation of women whose riding, shooting, and roping abilities rivaled — and often surpassed — their male counterparts. Wild West shows recognized that audiences were eager to see women perform daring feats. Buffalo Bill Cody understood the commercial and cultural power of showcasing talented women, and Hollywood soon followed.

The First Stunt Professionals

One of the most surprising revelations of Daughters of Daring is that early Hollywood stunt work was frequently performed by women. Why? They were lighter in the saddle, precise in execution, and capable of remarkable balance and horsemanship. In many cases, they were the best choice for the job.

These women leapt from trains, crashed wagons, performed sharpshooting routines at full gallop, and endured dangerous falls — often for modest pay and minimal protection. Yet they returned again and again, not driven merely by spectacle, but by mastery. They were professionals.

Beyond the Arena: The Need for Speed

As Rosebrook notes in the program, modern audiences may think of escalating stunt work as a recent phenomenon. Enss corrects the record. The appetite for risk, speed, and innovation runs deep in Western entertainment.

Many of these performers transitioned from horseback to aircraft, joining the Ninety-Nines and helping legitimize women in aviation. Their daring extended from rodeo grounds to runways, from silent film serials to the skies above America.

Why This Story Matters to Western History

Among Western aficionados, Chris Enss shines brightest when illuminating the lives of frontier women. Her scholarship restores dimension to a genre often told through male-centered narratives. The women she chronicles were not supporting characters. They were innovators, risk-takers, and cultural architects.

For those who cherish Western heritage — rodeo fans, film historians, museum patrons, and lovers of American frontier stories — Daughters of Daring offers both revelation and recognition.

Things to Remember

• Western women were foundational to the success of Wild West shows and early Hollywood Westerns.

• Early stunt work often depended on women's horsemanship and balance.

• The spirit of daring extended into aviation and national service.

• Much of this history has only recently been fully acknowledged.

Things to Share

• The Western genre owes a significant debt to female performers whose names are not widely known.

• Chris Enss continues to lead the field in documenting the lives of women in the American West.

• Museums and historical institutions play a vital role in preserving and promoting these stories.

Things to Act Upon

• Listen to or watch this Arizona Roundup episode featuring Chris Enss.

• Visit Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott and support its programming.

• Read Daughters of Daring and explore more of Enss's extensive catalog of Western women's history.

A Final Word

The American West was built by bold spirits — and many of those spirits wore boots and skirts, rode hard, and risked everything for excellence. Through Daughters of Daring and her ongoing work, Chris Enss ensures that their courage is no longer a footnote, but a headline.

To experience these stories firsthand, visit Sharlot Hall Museum, attend the upcoming presentation, and support the authors who continue to deepen our understanding of the West.

Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook returns with a timely and thoughtful conversation recorded on location at Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona. In this episode, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes Paul Fees, Deputy Director of Programs, for a rich exploration of Arizona history, public art, and the living heritage celebrated each February on Arizona Statehood Day.

The discussion unfolds against the backdrop of unusually warm winter days in Prescott and the anticipation surrounding February 14, 1912—the day Arizona officially became the 48th state. Listeners are introduced to the Arizona 250 Traveling Museum, a statewide initiative marking the road toward America's 250th anniversary, featuring Arizona's replica Liberty Bell and a mobile, glass-sided exhibition bringing history directly to the public.

At the heart of the program is the long-awaited public presentation of a remarkable mural by artist Charles Kemp. Measuring seven feet high and twenty feet wide, the painting depicts Prescott's courthouse plaza as it appeared around June of 1900, just weeks before the devastating fire that reshaped downtown. Once quietly displayed inside a local bank, the mural has now found its rightful home at Sharlot Hall Museum, where it can be appreciated as both fine art and historical document.

As Rosebrook and Fees explain, Kemp was part of a largely anonymous generation of commercial artists whose work shaped advertising, magazines, and early film design in the first half of the twentieth century. Though much of Kemp's professional work was unsigned, this mural reveals his mastery of light, color, and composition—placing the viewer directly on Whiskey Row beneath Prescott's unmistakable blue sky.

Beyond the mural, the episode highlights a full weekend of activity at the museum, including free admission for Statehood Day, additional art exhibitions, and opportunities to explore Prescott's broader cultural landscape. From historic fashion in the exhibit "Dressed in Prescott" to works by Kate Cory, Bob Boze Bell, and Tom Ross, visitors are encouraged to experience the museum campus as a place where art, history, and community meet.

Arizona Roundup reminds listeners that Arizona's story is not confined to textbooks or plaques—it lives in paintings, artifacts, buildings, and shared memories. This episode invites everyone to slow down, look closely, and rediscover the people and places that shaped the state.

THINGS TO REMEMBER Arizona's statehood story is alive and visible through art, artifacts, and place. Public art can quietly shape our understanding of history until it is truly seen. Sharlot Hall Museum serves as a guardian and storyteller of Arizona's shared heritage.

THINGS TO SHARE Invite friends and family to experience Arizona Statehood Day at the museum. Share the story of the Charles Kemp mural as an example of rediscovered history. Recommend Arizona Roundup as a way to stay connected to Prescott's cultural life.

THINGS TO NOTE AND TAKE ACTION ON Make time to explore local museums and historic sites. Support organizations that preserve public art and regional history. Attend community events that connect past, present, and future generations.

This episode of Arizona Roundup is both a celebration and an invitation—to step into Arizona's story. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Sharlot Hall Museum offers a welcoming place to experience the art, history, and spirit that continue to define Arizona.

A legendary Bob Boze Bell ride through Route 66, newsroom lore, and the magic of Western connection

On this episode of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook sits down with legendary storyteller, artist, publisher, and all-around Western sparkplug Bob Boze Bell for a wide-ranging, laugh-out-loud, truth-with-a-twinkle conversation that proves one thing: the West isn't just a place—it's a pile of great stories looking for the right campfire.

Recorded at Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, the episode opens with a heartfelt reflection on what's been lost in the age of remote work: the hum of offices, ringing phones, spontaneous conversations, and the creative friction that makes great work possible.

From there, Bob shares pivotal stories from his career at True West Magazine, including how a chance encounter brought national magazine experience to the publication at exactly the right moment. He explains how his daily blogging discipline—built on consistency rather than inspiration—continues to fuel magazine covers, features, and cultural conversations.

Listeners are treated to classic Bob Boze Bell storytelling, including the Hollywood journey of his iconic character "Honky Tonk Sue," complete with agents, scripts, big names, and the hard truth that sometimes the world buys the idea but never quite finds the story strong enough to make the movie.

The conversation then rolls onto Route 66—the Mother Road—not as nostalgia, but as living metaphor. Bob reflects on how Route 66 became a global legend, why it draws travelers from around the world, and how he had to leave America to truly understand what the road represents about the American spirit.

Along the way, Bob previews what's ahead in True West Magazine: milestone anniversaries, deep Western history, and a Route 66 issue packed with camels, characters, gunfights, river crossings, and stories that feel as alive today as they were a century ago.

Through it all, Bob delivers sharp observations, generous humor, and unforgettable one-liners—the kind that belong carved into a saloon wall.

From the high country of Arizona and the story-filled halls of Sharlot Hall Museum, Arizona Roundup reminds us that the past still speaks, legends still ride, and the best stories are waiting just around the bend.

Until next time—keep your eyes up, your curiosity alive, and your trail lined with good stories.

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A lively Western history roundtable at Sharlot Hall Museum—where scholarship meets story, and legends get their labels checked If you've ever wished you could pull up a chair while three top-tier Western historians swap stories, compare notes, and argue (politely) about what really matters in telling America's story—Arizona Roundup host Stuart Rosebrook made it happen. Recorded at Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, this 1 hour and 27 minute episode is billed simply as "AZR – The 3 Pauls!"—and it delivers exactly what the title promises: a rare, warm, and surprisingly funny conversation with Paul Hedren, Paul Andrew Hutton, and Paul Fees. They arrive from "near and far" (Prescott, Cody, Omaha), but the real destination isn't just Arizona—it's that place all good history takes you: the moment you suddenly understand the past as human, complicated, and still alive. A roundtable built on friendship—and a big year in Western books Stuart Rosebrook sets the stage with a premise any history-lover can appreciate: it's been a banner year for Western publishing, and two major new titles are at the center of the conversation. Paul Hedren brings Sitting Bull's War (Pegasus Books), a work that insists the Little Bighorn story can't be told honestly without hearing Native voices and seeing Native motives as more than footnotes. Paul Andrew Hutton brings The Undiscovered Country: Triumph, Tragedy, and the Shaping of the American West (Dutton), an ambitious, big-arc American story told through seven lives—frontier icons and Native leaders—moving from early frontier conflict to the closing of the 19th century. But the episode isn't a sales pitch disguised as scholarship. It's closer to a well-fed dinner table conversation where everyone knows the stories, the places, and the personalities—and still laughs at the odd turns that made their careers. Walk where history happened A theme keeps resurfacing: history isn't just dates and arguments—it's place. Hedren explains how landscape isn't scenery—it's evidence. Hutton echoes it with a lifetime of pilgrimages to places like Cody and Little Bighorn. Fees adds the museum professional's angle: sometimes the object and the story matter more to a child than any label—especially if the label is wrong. The now-famous "Davy Crockett's bloody vest" story lands as both humor and lesson: myth, memory, and meaning all collide, reminding us why museums and historians exist—not to kill wonder, but to mature it. Why these books matter now The conversation insists that Western history is not a side genre—it is American history. Hutton frames the West as central to American identity, shaped by discovery, reinvention, and tragic collision. Hedren complements that arc by restoring Native perspective, voice, and consequence to stories long told from the top down. Read together, these books help readers see the West as achievement and cost, myth and reality, memory and meaning. The 250th anniversary invitation With America's 250th anniversary approaching in 2026, this episode becomes an invitation: celebrate by going somewhere meaningful, asking better questions, and standing where history happened. Travel the two-lane roads. Let surprise happen. Listen carefully when someone points to a name on a monument and says, "That was my ancestor." Things to remember The West shaped American identity. Great history must be readable to matter. Landscapes tell stories if we learn how to read them. Things to share The Davy Crockett vest story. The idea that complexity honors history. The joy of traveling like a historian. Things to act on Read Sitting Bull's War and The Undiscovered Country. Plan one history-centered trip in 2026. Visit a museum and ask what story is missing. Closing thanks Arizona Roundup created a rare kind of episode: scholarly yet accessible, serious yet warm, and thoughtful without losing its grin. Thanks to host Stuart Rosebrook, to Paul Hedren, Paul Andrew Hutton, and Paul Fees, and to Marv Kaiser for bringing this memorable roundtable together. Happy New Year—and here's to a 2026 that doesn't just celebrate history, but learns from it.