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

As December settles into Arizona's high country and Prescott shines once again as Arizona's Christmas City, attention quietly turns toward one unforgettable night—New Year's Eve on historic Whiskey Row. In a recent episode of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomed Matt Brassard, owner of Matt's Saloon and president of the Prescott Downtown Partnership, to talk about one of the Southwest's most beloved New Year's traditions: The Boot Drop. Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Boot Drop has grown from a hometown idea into a signature event that draws more than 25,000 people to downtown Prescott each year. Planning begins months in advance, bringing together city leaders, sponsors, local businesses, and volunteers. Whiskey Row closes from Gurley to Goodwin, transforming downtown into a festive, family-friendly celebration space filled with live music, food vendors, carnival games, warming fire barrels, and thousands of people ready to celebrate together. The Boot Drop features two countdowns—one at 10:00 p.m. for families and East Coast celebrations, and another at midnight to ring in the New Year locally. Live music fills the streets and venues, with The Instant Classics performing high-energy hits outside while bars and saloons host bands indoors. Food trucks and vendors serve everything from hot chocolate to tacos and carnival favorites. In recent years, national media including CNN has broadcast the event worldwide, putting Prescott's New Year's celebration on the global stage. This year introduces new elements like a silent disco and interactive bubble entertainment, adding fresh energy to a cherished tradition. Things to Remember: • Free, family-friendly event • Streets close at 7:00 p.m. • Two boot drops at 10:00 p.m. and midnight Things to Share: • One of the largest New Year's Eve celebrations in the Southwest • National and international media coverage Things to Take Note Of: • Dress warmly • Make restaurant reservations early • Parking available nearby, including the Granite Street Garage Learn more and plan your evening at bootdrop.com. Warm holiday wishes and a Happy New Year from Arizona Roundup.

A Special Arizona Roundup Christmas Story from Sharlot Hall Museum In this special Christmas edition of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook shares a deeply personal and quietly powerful holiday story—one that blends family history, Arizona heritage, and the enduring meaning of belonging. The story centers on Stuart's father, Jeb Rosebrook, and a Christmas spent far from home in December 1945, just months after the end of World War II. As a young boy suffering from severe asthma, Jeb had been sent west from the East Coast to the Quarter Circle V-Bar Ranch School in central Arizona, where the dry air and demanding ranch life restored his health—and shaped his character. That Christmas, with trains filled by returning soldiers and no passage available east, ten-year-old Jeb remained behind while other students went home. What might have been a lonely holiday instead became a defining moment. Ranch founder Charles "Uncle Chick" Orm invited the boy to accompany him into the snowy Bradshaw Mountains to cut a Christmas tree—a simple journey that became an act of quiet grace. Through Stuart Rosebrook's telling—and through Jeb's own words—the listener is drawn into the cold air, the crunch of snow, the echo of an axe in the pines, and the warmth of a Christmas morning where family was chosen as much as inherited. That single tree, carried back on an open truck through winter wind, became a symbol of welcome, care, and belonging. This brief story stands beautifully on its own, yet it also invites listeners to experience the full Christmas program from Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, where history is preserved not just through artifacts, but through lived human stories—stories of resilience, kindness, and unexpected gifts. As part of today's special Arizona Roundup Christmas broadcast, this story is joined by other seasonal reflections and features that celebrate Arizona's past and the enduring spirit of community. It is a reminder that sometimes the greatest Christmas gifts are not found under a tree—but beside it. Merry Christmas from Arizona Roundup and Sharlot Hall Museum. May the season bring you warmth, memory, and moments that matter.

A conversation with Volunteer Coordinator Greg Kenny on Arizona Roundup (hosted by Stuart Rosebrook)

History is not meant to sit silently on shelves or behind glass. It is meant to be shared, lived, and passed forward—one story, one conversation, and one volunteer at a time. That message comes through clearly in this Arizona Roundup episode, as Stuart Rosebrook welcomes Greg Kenny, Sharlot Hall Museum's Volunteer Coordinator.

From Classroom to Museum Campus: A Calling Discovered

Greg Kenny's path into museum work began in education. With a social science degree focused on history and experience teaching middle and high school students, he learned that curiosity accelerates when learners step into real places—museums, historic sites, and the landscapes where stories happened.

That insight led him into the museum world, including years at the Palm Springs Air Museum, and eventually to Prescott—where he has spent the last two years building one of Sharlot Hall Museum's most vital strengths: its volunteer community.

The Heart of the Museum: Nearly 175 Volunteers Strong

Sharlot Hall Museum relies on an active corps of roughly 175 volunteers supporting both the main museum campus and the Fort Whipple Museum. These volunteers power the day-to-day guest experience—greeting visitors, interpreting history, supporting programs, preserving collections, and helping the museum remain a living place of learning.

As Kenny notes, volunteers bring more than time: they bring life experience, curiosity, and a willingness to share. For many children and first-time visitors, museum volunteers provide something increasingly rare—authentic connection across generations.

Many Roles, One Mission

The episode highlights a wide range of volunteer roles, including:

Historic building docents and interpreters

Tour guides for school groups and adult visitors

Living history volunteers

Library and archives support (including genealogy and oral history)

Curatorial and collections support (with specialized training)

Gardens and grounds (seasonal needs)

Guest services, bookstore support, and event helpers

Volunteers are encouraged to explore where their interests and talents fit best—and many choose to serve in more than one area.

Training That Builds Confidence—and Community

New volunteer training classes typically begin in the second week of February and meet on Thursday mornings for a couple of hours. The sessions provide a well-rounded introduction to the museum's campus, programs, research center, and operations.

To keep the process accessible, classes are recorded for those who miss a session or join later in the season. Still, the museum strongly encourages attending in person—because the best learning happens through human interaction, questions, and shared discovery.

One favorite highlight: a behind-the-scenes look into the collections vaults, where decades of Arizona history are preserved beyond what the public typically sees.

More Than Information: Creating Connection

A strong theme throughout the episode is connection—docents adapting stories to visitor interests, tour guides reading the room for fourth graders or senior groups, and archivists helping people find family and community history.

Kenny emphasizes that volunteers often receive as much as they give: stories from visitors, new perspectives, and those memorable moments when a "light bulb" turns on—when a guest realizes why Arizona history matters to their own life.

Things to Remember

Museums are living classrooms powered by people, not just artifacts.

Volunteers are essential to Sharlot Hall Museum's daily impact.

History becomes meaningful through conversation and connection.

There are volunteer opportunities for many interests and skill levels.

Things to Share

Sharlot Hall Museum offers a diverse volunteer program serving both campus and Fort Whipple.

Training is supportive and designed to build confidence.

Volunteers include educators, storytellers, researchers, gardeners, and event helpers.

Volunteering is a meaningful way for newcomers to Prescott to connect and contribute.

Things to Take Note Of—and Act Upon

Volunteer training begins each February, with options to catch up if you miss a session.

Opportunities exist year-round, including tours, events, and research support.

Both working professionals and retirees are welcome.

A willing heart and curiosity matter more than prior museum experience.

A Challenge Worth Accepting

If you're looking for more than something to do—if you're looking for something that matters—consider volunteering at Sharlot Hall Museum. This is not about filling time; it is about preserving memory, serving community, and helping Arizona's story stay alive.

Take the next step: visit the museum's volunteer page and reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Greg Kenny to begin the process.

Volunteer Contact

Website: sharlothallmuseum.org/volunteer Email: [email protected] Volunteer Office: (928) 277-2006

History is calling. The next chapter may include you.

Prescott's holiday season shines brighter each year, and one of its most beloved traditions again takes center stage as Arizona Roundup host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes radio-theater producers and performers Celia and Bill Osborne to share the story behind A Prescott Christmas Carol. This special Christmas program—now in its fifth season at Sharlot Hall Museum—blends historic Prescott charm, old-time radio magic, and Charles Dickens' timeless message of generosity and hope. In this episode of Arizona Roundup, listeners get a warm, behind-the-scenes look at the creative couple who have helped revive the classic art of radio theater in the Central Highlands. With decades of experience in broadcasting, writing, acting, and sound design, the Osbornes have made their "Purple Iris Theater" productions a treasured part of Prescott's cultural landscape. A Story Rooted in History—and Prescott Pride This year's Prescott Christmas Carol is a freshly updated, lovingly reimagined adaptation of Dickens' 19th-century classic. Set in territorial Prescott of the 1880s, the script brings in local landmarks, familiar street names, and notable figures from the city's early history. It's the perfect blend of Victorian tradition and Frontier Arizona storytelling. Celia, the playwright and director, refines the script annually—adding new jokes, deeper references, and even more Prescott flavor. Bill, the production's master Foley artist, brings the story fully to life with an astonishing array of sound-effect instruments collected over the years. A Holiday Tradition at Sharlot Hall Museum Prescott, proudly known as Arizona's Christmas City, thrives on community, heritage, and the arts. A Prescott Christmas Carol beautifully embodies that spirit. The event is scheduled for: Thursday, December 11 Performances at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM Sharlot Hall Museum Tickets: $25 at SharlotHallMuseum.org Celebrating Local Talent and the Magic of Radio Stuart Rosebrook and the Sharlot Hall Museum staff give a heartfelt salute to Celia and Bill Osborne for their commitment to preserving radio theater as a living American art form. Their creativity, warmth, and deep connection to Prescott's cultural life continue to make A Prescott Christmas Carol one of the community's most anticipated holiday traditions. Get Your Tickets Today Visit SharlotHallMuseum.org and reserve your seats for A Prescott Christmas Carol.

A Family Woven Into the Fabric of Arizona

In this richly layered episode of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes a remarkable guest: George Chesney, a Prescott-area resident whose life bridges corporate leadership, deep Arizona roots, and heartfelt community service. What begins as a simple conversation quickly unfolds into a sweeping family saga—complete with frontier courage, territorial treks, the Tombstone stagecoach wars, and a modern-day commitment to feeding hungry neighbors. Listeners come away with both a richer understanding of Arizona history and renewed appreciation for the power of one life lived with purpose.

A Family Woven Into the Fabric of Arizona (Continued)

George's story doesn't merely touch Arizona history—it runs straight through some of the most dramatic chapters of the state's territorial era. His family's journey spans:

Wisconsin dairy farms,

A winter-ravaged ranch in Montana,

A cattle drive through Utah and the Beale Road corridor,

A year near Oatman and Signal, and

Final settlement along the San Pedro River in Cochise County in the late 1870s.

There, his ancestors ran cattle, cultivated small crops, and eventually operated Drew's Station, a stage stop just north of the settlement of Contention. And that's where the history gets thrilling.

The Bud Philpott Stagecoach Killing

Few stories in the Tombstone timeline are more dramatic than the ambush and murder of legendary stage driver Bud Philpott, an event that most historians identify as taking place near George's family's stage stop. George shares how his ancestor found Philpott's body, becoming one of the first witnesses in the case, and how that experience led the young man into law enforcement, where he later became the first officer in Pinal County killed in the line of duty. The murder of Philpott became a catalyst that pushed the Earp brothers to take a stand against lawlessness in southeastern Arizona—ultimately leading to the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Listeners can almost feel the dust of the San Pedro River Valley rising again as Stuart and George trace the routes, roads, and rivalries that shaped the region.

Grandmothers, Ranches, and Riparian Wonders

George weaves in family tales of a grandmother born in Aravaipa Canyon in 1898; early ranching families in Graham and Cochise Counties; pioneer photographs, traveling photographers, butcher shops in Tombstone, and the fascinating journey of a Scottish immigrant great-grandmother adapting to life in the Wild West. It's the kind of storytelling that makes you feel like you've stumbled upon a great novel—except it all really happened.

From Cruise Ships to Community Service

After a globe-spanning career as a Senior Vice President for Norwegian Cruise Lines, George retired to Prescott—yet his retirement turned out to be anything but quiet. His lifetime of service and compassion led him to partner with community food programs in Chino Valley and Prescott; manage food distribution through St. Luke's Episcopal Church; work with St. Mary's Food Bank, the Yavapai Food Neighbor Program, and the Community Food Cupboard; and oversee record-breaking monthly distributions as need has increased in Yavapai County. One of the most touching moments in the program comes when George shares what a client once told him: "I like coming here because I get a smile, and I get a hug if I need one, as well as food."

A Touch of Humor

True to Arizona Roundup style, Stuart and George sprinkle in easy good humor: the realities of old Arizona weather; airline cargo containers likened to modern strongboxes; a friendly jab about cheering for the "wrong" Iowa college; and the eternal question of why anyone would choose Montana winters on purpose. The laughter reminds us that even the most serious history comes from ordinary people who lived real, complicated, sometimes humorous lives.

Things to Remember

Arizona history is made up of ordinary families who endured extraordinary trials.

The Philpott killing was a pivotal moment leading toward the O.K. Corral gunfight.

Drew's Station was once a vital hub on the stage route between Tombstone, Contention, Benson, and Bisbee.

Food insecurity in Yavapai County remains a real and pressing issue.

Things to Share

Stories like George's connect present-day Arizona to its territorial frontier.

Community food pantries depend on donations of fresh, shelf-stable, and in-date items.

History becomes richer when explored through personal stories—not just textbooks.

Prescott continues to attract people who want to serve, contribute, and preserve.

Things to Take Note Of

The Sharlot Hall Museum is a world-class hub of Western history and preservation.

The museum's stagecoach—possibly connected to these events—deserves further research and restoration.

Local food pantries need boxed cereal, canned protein, meals-in-a-can, canned fruit, and shelf-stable staples.

Composting expired food helps reduce waste and environmental impact.

A Grateful Thank You to Sharlot Hall Museum

Arizona Roundup is proudly produced in partnership with the Sharlot Hall Museum, a cornerstone of Prescott's heritage and a champion of Western storytelling. Visitors and supporters are encouraged to explore the museum, visit the Transportation Hall, meet the historians, attend live programs and community events, and donate food in their seasonal collection bins.

Visit Sharlot Hall Museum

Address: 415 W. Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ Website: sharlothallmuseum.org Phone: 928-445-3122

Come Visit the Mile-High Cowboy City

Whether you're a history buff, hiker, storyteller, or lover of Arizona culture, Prescott welcomes you. Come walk the streets where history happened, enjoy genuine Western hospitality, and shake hands with the folks who keep these stories alive.

Arizona Roundup, broadcasting from the historic Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, delivered another rich, soul-warming episode with host Stuart Rosebrook and special guest Maria Icenogle, Educational Director at the Highland Center for Natural History. Together, they wove a tapestry of poetry, natural beauty, early Arizona history, and quiet moments of wonder that shape both childhood memory and community identity.

This episode opened with a gentle, lyrical reading of "A Forest Lullaby" by Sharlot Hall, reminding listeners that Arizona's beloved poet—often overshadowed by her political and pioneering accomplishments—was first and foremost a gifted literary voice. Hall's writing, like the state itself, is rooted in keen observation, solitude, and the intimate music of the land. Stuart and Maria placed her alongside figures such as Laura Ingalls Wilder, lifting her from the margins and restoring her rightful place as a foundational voice in Arizona arts and letters.

From there, the program expanded into a thoughtful, often humorous reflection on how people become Arizonans—not by accident or aliens, as Stuart joked—but through journeys shaped by family, health, curiosity, or simply the call of the wide Southwestern sky. Maria shared her small-town Indiana upbringing, a childhood full of creeks, woods, journals, and a stump-desk crafted by her father. It was a childhood that eerily echoed Sharlot Hall's own formative experiences: quiet observation, a strong sense of place, and a deep intimacy with nature.

Both Stuart and Maria recalled influential teachers who opened the world through poetry and literature. They reminded listeners that the most transformative moments in life are often quiet—"not the ones with exclamation points," as Maria said, but the subtle turning points: a book, a walk under tall pines, a teacher who simply believed.

The episode also highlighted the Highland Center for Natural History, a beloved Prescott institution nestled in the Prescott National Forest. Maria described the Highland Center as:

• An 80-acre campus of trails, wildlife, gardens, and education

• An off-grid sustainable facility with a nature store, journals, puppets, and irresistible "giant metal bug sculptures" that every nine-year-old loves

• A place where children, adults, naturalists, and new Arizonans discover the essence of the Central Arizona Highlands

From campfire storytelling and wilderness programs to grief-support gatherings among the pines, Maria emphasized that the Highland Center is for everyone—from age nine to ninety.

Stuart also connected the mission of the Highland Center with the broader cultural network of Prescott—the Phippen Museum, the Museum of Indigenous People, the Western Heritage Center, the Center for Natural History, and of course, the Sharlot Hall Museum. This community of museums and educators carries the dual mission of preserving heritage and welcoming newcomers, helping all residents—lifelong or newly arrived—find belonging, purpose, and pride in their shared home.

The program concluded with a stirring reading of Sharlot Hall's poem "In the Bracken," a timeless tribute to pine forests, breezes, quail, lizards, chipmunks, and the gentle presence of God in nature. It was a fitting end to a warm and reflective Thanksgiving-season episode—one that lifted hearts while deepening appreciation for Arizona's land, culture, and community.

Things to Remember

• Sharlot Hall was far more than a politician; she was one of Arizona's great literary voices whose quiet observations still inspire.

• The Central Arizona Highlands are a unique ecological region—mountains, pines, grasslands, and diverse wildlife that shaped generations.

• Quiet experiences—poems, teachers, walks in nature—often have the deepest impact.

• The cultural institutions of Prescott form a unified community of storytellers, educators, and preservationists.

Things to Share

• Share Sharlot Hall's poetry with friends or family—her words are windows into early Arizona life.

• Encourage newcomers to visit the Highland Center, Sharlot Hall Museum, and other cultural sites.

• Share stories of your own origins. "How did you become an Arizonan?" is a doorway to connection.

Things to Think About

• What quiet experiences in your childhood shaped you?

• Who helped you see the world through poetry, history, or nature?

• What part of Arizona's landscape makes you feel most at home?

Possible Actions to Take

• Visit HighlandsCenter.org and sign up for the newsletter.

• Attend upcoming seasonal events such as Winter Luminaria Nights at the Highland Center.

• Plan a visit to Sharlot Hall Museum and explore its exhibits and programs.

• Volunteer—at either institution—to help preserve culture and nature for future generations.

A Closing Note of Inspiration

Just as Sharlot Hall traveled the Santa Fe Trail with observant eyes, and just as Maria journeyed from Indiana woods to Arizona pines, all of us are part of a larger story—one woven from courage, curiosity, community, and place. The Central Arizona Highlands still whisper possibilities to those who listen. May we carry that sense of wonder into our lives, our families, and our community.

For more programs, events, and opportunities to get involved, visit:

Sharlot Hall Museum — Prescott, Arizona

HighlandsCenter.org — Highland Center for Natural History

Both organizations welcome you, your story, and your curiosity.

Sharlot Hall Museum • Host: Stuart Rosebrook • Guest: Rex Hinshaw

Step into a rich tapestry of place, people and heritage with Arizona Roundup, the distinctive broadcast from the storied grounds of the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona. Host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes long‑time cowboy‑spirit contributor Rex Hinshaw for a leisurely, heartfelt conversation that traces decades of Arizona life — horse racing, rodeos, architecture, family ties, and the enduring western ethos.

What the Program Is

In this edition of Arizona Roundup, Stuart and Rex revisit the crossroads of Arizona's past and present — from summers in the Bradshaw Mountains and racetrack memories at Prescott Downs, to the ongoing legacy of the great 4th of July celebration in Prescott; from Rex's childhood in Buckeye and Safford to his adult life helping shape the rodeo, architecture, and heritage of Prescott. The show isn't just an interview; it's a journey into place‑based memories, family threads, and the embrace of community across generations.

Their dialogue is rich with texture: a young boy holding on to his belt loops behind his dad at a rodeo; afternoons spent behind the judges' stand at the racetrack; the saga of moving the 1875 Fremont House into the Museum; the silver‑screen moment of shooting pool with Steve McQueen during the filming of Junior Bonner — all woven into the fabric of Prescott's identity.

Why It Resonates

Emotion & nostalgia: This isn't just historic fact‑telling. It's lived experience. The kind of story where you can feel the horse's breath, hear the announcer's prayer in the rodeo arena, and recall the smell of summer evenings at the racetrack.

Connection to place: While Arizona has grown and changed, the voices here remind listeners that Prescott remains a node of enduring traditions and relationships.

Authentic people, authentic stories: Rex isn't just a guest — he is part of the narrative. His father and uncle, his summers in Prescott, his architecture career and leadership in the rodeo board make the conversation personal and grounded.

Transformation and heritage: From ranchlands to film sets to historic house moves, the show reflects how the western tradition adapts — while still holding onto its lodestars of purpose, courage, and community.

Takeaways to Share

Things to Remember

The power of a single story: One childhood moment (that bull tossing the fence) can carry a lifetime of meaning.

The value of mixture: Architecture, horse racing, filmmaking and rodeo differ — but the spirit of enthusiasm and respect unites them.

The importance of place: Prescott and the Sharlot Hall Museum are anchors that connect generations.

Things to Share

"Rex tells of shooting pool with Steve McQueen during the filming of Junior Bonner — you've got to hear it."

"The Fremont House was moved to the Museum; Rex was there, knocking on walls to find the originals."

"Prescott Downs glory days: Rex worked there 23 summers — quarter horses and thoroughbreds."

Things to Take Note Of

Parades, architecture tours, and living‑history weekends echo the moments recalled in the show.

Use the episode as a primer for deeper exploration — from Western heritage to architectural history.

Tone matters: highlight feeling as much as fact when sharing the story with others.

Call to Action & Coming Together

Whether you're a long‑time resident of the Central Highlands, a visitor drawn by the cowboy tradition, or someone tuning in for a meaningful story, Arizona Roundup invites you into the circle.

Listen and engage: Tune in, share the episode, and invite a friend or family member to listen with you.

Visit the place: Plan a trip to the Sharlot Hall Museum. Walk the campus and stand inside the Fremont House.

Connect and contribute: Join upcoming events, volunteer, or partner with programs that preserve Arizona heritage.

Live the spirit: Mentor, serve, build — show up with western courage and community in your daily life.

Sharlot Hall Museum — Contact & Participation

Address: 415 West Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ 86301

Phone: (928) 445‑3122 (Ext. 0 for Admissions)

General Email: [email protected]

Archives & Research: (928) 277‑2003 • [email protected]

Website: sharlothallmuseum.org

The latest Arizona Roundup from the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, brings together three of the West's most engaging voices—host Stuart Rosebrook, artist‑historian Bob Boze Bell, and painter‑storyteller Thom Ross—for a rollicking, reflective conversation about their new exhibit, "The Doctor Will See You Now: Bringing Doc and the Earps Home to Prescott." The show celebrates the artistry, imagination, and enduring mythology of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the gunfight that became American legend.

Ross opens the discussion by tracing his fascination with Western heroes back to childhood, inspired by Fess Parker's Davy Crockett and the timeless allure of "the last stand." For him—and for fellow "Western nuts" like historian Paul Hutton—these tales echo through human history, as ancient as Homer and as modern as Hollywood. Bell adds his own discovery story: his grandmother's blunt verdict on a TV Wyatt Earp sparked a lifelong search for the truth behind the legend. Together, Ross and Bell show how the mythic West walks hand in hand with popular culture, from Davy Crockett to Saving Private Ryan, from King Arthur to Tombstone.

Much of the program's charm lies in its storytelling. Ross recalls a family road trip that detoured to Little Bighorn, the Alamo, and the O.K. Corral; Bell counters with memories of a father who never stopped for roadside history—fuel for a lifelong obsession. As Rosebrook observes, the heart of this story is a road trip, just like the real trek that brought the Earps and Doc Holliday from Las Vegas, New Mexico, to Prescott in 1879—an early Western road movie on buckboards and wagon roads.

In the final act, the conversation turns to the most mythic moment of all—the walk down to the O.K. Corral. For Bell, Doc Holliday is "the linchpin," turning a minor misdemeanor arrest into a legendary clash. For Ross, the walk down is a universal symbol of courage: the moment you face your fear. They liken the O.K. Corral to a pilgrimage path—shorter than the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, but a walk of consequence all the same. Their artwork captures that timeless step into history—four figures moving toward fate, still alive in paint and memory.

Things to Remember and Share

The mythology of the West connects to universal human stories—courage, loss, redemption, and truth.

The "walk down" is a literal and spiritual journey—your own daily call to face fear.

Artists, filmmakers, and historians add new color to an old canvas with every retelling.

Western legends endure because they speak to the human spirit's longing to stand tall, fight fair, and live free.

A Closing Word from the Roundup

"The Doctor Will See You Now" is more than an exhibit—it's a homecoming. Through humor, heart, and history, Bell, Ross, and Rosebrook remind us that the West isn't behind us—it's walking beside us, alive in stories and imagination.

Visit the Exhibit

Sharlot Hall Museum • Prescott, Arizona

Special Event: November 13, 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Web: https://www.sharlothallmuseum.org

Hear More Arizona Stories

Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook — celebrating the people, places, and passions that keep the West alive.

A Celebration of Fall, Community, and Christmas Spirit

The latest episode of Arizona Roundup, hosted by historian Stuart Rosebrook, invites listeners to slow down and savor the beauty of the season at Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona. Joined by Bailey Cacciatore, the museum's Curator of Education, the conversation unfolds like a warm walk through the museum's historic campus—crisp leaves underfoot, children laughing, and luminarias glowing in the cool evening air. Together, Stuart and Bailey paint a vivid picture of Prescott's fall transformation and the museum's upcoming lineup of November and December events, including the much-anticipated Frontier Christmas on December 6th, an old-fashioned celebration that transports visitors back to Arizona's territorial days.

Prescott's Living History and Holiday Charm

From the kaleidoscope of fall colors on the museum grounds to the spirit of giving that defines its programs, Arizona Roundup captures the essence of Prescott as 'Everybody's Hometown.' Bailey shares how students, families, and tour groups find wonder in the museum's living history buildings and peaceful gardens. Even the new benches, donated by generous community members, invite quiet reflection among the roses and pines. As the holidays approach, the museum's calendar is bursting with activity. Highlights include: • November 8: "Give Thanks" Living History Adventure • November 11: Veterans Day Parade • November 13: "The Doctor Will See You Now" Exhibit Opening • November 15: Native American Heritage Month Pop-Up Program • December 6: Frontier Christmas Each event invites visitors to step away from the modern rush and reconnect with community, history, and gratitude.

Living History, Giving Thanks

In keeping with the season, the museum is hosting a holiday food drive—guests who bring canned goods or non-perishable donations receive discounts at the gift shop. As Bailey reminds listeners, the museum's mission is rooted in giving: 'We want to bring out the inner child in everyone.' For those who wish to give more deeply, the museum's Giving Tuesday campaign offers opportunities to support education programs, living history, and preservation efforts. Memberships, donations, and even small purchases in the Bashford House gift shop all help sustain this mission.

A Season of Story and Spirit

The episode closes with a look ahead to Prescott Christmas Carol, a live 'old-time radio' play filled with humor and local charm, and a Victorian gift-wrapping workshop on December 13th. Then, as the new year begins, audiences can look forward to The Hossyompers on January 17th, a special theatrical fundraiser at the historic Elks Theatre recreating one of Sharlot Hall's own 1907 productions. Stuart and Bailey's friendly conversation reminds listeners that history isn't confined to dusty exhibits—it's alive in every shared story, handcrafted ornament, and cup of hot chocolate enjoyed together.

Things to Remember and Share

• Frontier Christmas, December 6th, is the perfect day to experience Prescott's 'Christmas City' magic. • Explore the Living History Adventures and new art exhibits through November. • Support Giving Tuesday and help preserve Arizona's history. • Become a member of Sharlot Hall Museum and enjoy free admission to events and programs year-round.

A Thought to Take With You

As the hosts suggest, the real gift of the season isn't found in shopping lists or decorations—it's found in moments of gratitude, community, and connection. Whether crunching leaves on a fall walk or sipping cider by candlelight, Sharlot Hall Museum invites everyone to rediscover the joy of slowing down and stepping back in time. For full details on upcoming events, visit SharlotHallMuseum.org — and plan your own Frontier Christmas adventure in Prescott, Arizona's heart of history.

In one of the most inspiring and thought-provoking episodes of *Arizona Roundup*, host **Stuart Rosebrook** sits down with renowned historian **Dr. Paul Andrew Hutton**—a man who has spent a lifetime telling the story of the American West. Currently serving as the **Tate Chair of Western History** and **Interim Curator of the Buffalo Bill Museum** at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming, Hutton joins the program to discuss his latest bestseller, *The Undiscovered Country: Triumph, Tragedy, and the Shaping of the American West*.

This conversation—part history lesson, part life reflection—reminds listeners that the frontier story is far from over. It lives on in the American imagination, in the art of reinvention, and in the enduring quest to understand who we are as a people.

A Historian on the Road

From his early days teaching at the University of New Mexico to his current role in Cody, Dr. Hutton embodies the spirit of exploration he writes about. His new book—now in its fourth printing and on the *New York Times* bestseller list—connects deeply with readers because it weaves together adventure, scholarship, and the timeless human desire to find meaning in history.

As Hutton told Rosebrook, moving from Albuquerque to Cody was like "going back in time." His daily surroundings—the five museums housed within the Buffalo Bill Center of the West—immerse him in living history. Visitors, he notes, need at least two days to explore it all. "It's magical," he says, "and it still takes my breath away."

From Davy Crockett to Buffalo Bill

Hutton's *The Undiscovered Country* tells the sweeping saga of America's westward expansion through seven larger-than-life figures: **Daniel Boone, Red Eagle, Davy Crockett, Mangas Coloradas, Kit Carson, Sitting Bull,** and **Buffalo Bill Cody**. Through their intertwined lives, Hutton captures both the triumph and tragedy of the American experiment—its soaring ideals and its painful costs.

He explains that the book's title comes from *Hamlet*: the "undiscovered country" that symbolizes both the mystery of death and the unknown journey ahead. For the pioneers, it meant stepping into a vast new land; for readers, it invites reflection on their own frontiers of discovery.

Lessons from the Frontier

Throughout the conversation, Rosebrook and Hutton explore themes that resonate far beyond history: the art of reinvention, the importance of teaching, and the enduring power of storytelling. Hutton admits that even after decades of writing, the hardest task is composing museum captions—"serious writing," he laughs, "where every word counts."

His personal story—an 18-year-old Indiana boy driving west in a VW bus in 1968, dreaming of history—mirrors the very journeys he now writes about. "America," he says, "has always been about reinvention. The West is where you can leave your past behind and start again."

Things to Remember, Share, and Take Note Of

- **History isn't just the past—it's a mirror.** The stories of Boone, Crockett, and Sitting Bull reflect our ongoing search for identity and purpose. - **Reinvention is America's secret strength.** From pioneers to modern entrepreneurs, the West reminds us we can always begin again. - **Museums are living classrooms.** Places like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Sharlot Hall Museum preserve not just artifacts, but the heart of the American experience. - **Captions and storytelling matter.** The smallest details—one sentence, one story—can open entire worlds of understanding.

Closing Thoughts: Finding Our Own Undiscovered Country

As *Arizona Roundup* continues to celebrate the people and stories that define the West, this episode stands as a reminder that the frontier spirit is not a relic—it's a roadmap. Whether in life, business, or community, we all stand at the edge of our own "undiscovered country," faced with choices of courage, curiosity, and compassion.

Dr. Paul Hutton's journey—and his remarkable book—invite us to take that next step into the unknown, to rediscover what's best in our history and ourselves.

Learn More

To experience the full conversation with Dr. Paul Hutton, listen to *Arizona Roundup* on your favorite podcast platform. Visit the **Sharlot Hall Museum** in Prescott, Arizona, to explore exhibits that keep the spirit of the West alive. Learn more at **sharlothallmuseum.org** and plan to attend upcoming events featuring Western historians, writers, and storytellers.