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

A Prescott Broadcast of Art, History, and Humor

The Kid Who Started It All

Bob Boze Bell's lifelong passion for Western art began when he was nine years old—his first drawing was of none other than Billy the Kid, inspired by stories from his grandmother in the bootheel of New Mexico. "She told me we were related to outlaws," he laughed. "That'll light a fire in any young boy's imagination." Decades later, that spark became a calling. After a Christmas gift—The Saga of Billy the Kid—rekindled his fascination, Bell realized, "I was born to do this." From that epiphany came his first book, The Illustrated Life and Times of Billy the Kid, and ultimately, a lifetime interpreting the West's colorful contradictions through pen and paint.

From Cave Creek to the Museum Walls

Today, Bob's work hangs proudly in two Arizona exhibitions. At Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, his collaboration with artists Tom Ross and Buckeye Blake is titled The Resurrection of Billy the Kid—a renegade show as unconventional as its subject. "It's in a hallway," Bob said, laughing, "which gives it just the right touch of outlaw mischief." From Blake's haunting sculpture of the slain Kid to Ross's whimsical reinterpretations and Bell's classic illustrations, the exhibit captures both the myth and the man. "It's history, it's humor, and it's humanity," Bell noted. "You walk away saying, 'Ye gods—look at who we are.'"

Prescott's Turn: Bringing Doc Home

Meanwhile, at Sharlot Hall Museum, a new show titled Bringing Doc and the Earps Home to Prescott explores another side of Western lore. Co-created by Bob Boze Bell and Tom Ross, the exhibit reimagines Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp's brief but significant time in Prescott before their fateful journey to Tombstone. Through vivid art and newly uncovered research—thanks to local historian Brad Courtney—the show brings to life Doc's time boarding with Arizona's acting governor, his connection to Big Nose Kate, and the early echoes of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. "History is like a ping-pong ball—it just keeps clanging back and forth between people, places, and generations," Bell mused.

Family Names, Frontier Spirits, and Rock 'n' Roll Drums

The episode sparkles with humor and heart. Between stories of art and ancestry, Bell riffs on family nicknames, outlaw relatives, and his rock 'n' roll detours. "I got distracted by girls and drums," he admitted, "but Billy the Kid never really left me." Rosebrook and Bell share an easy camaraderie, weaving in anecdotes about Western heroes, museums, and the enduring allure of names like Wyatt, Doc, and Geronimo. "They just resonate," said Rosebrook, "they ring forward through time."

Things to Remember

• Art tells stories that history books can't. Bell's paintings and Ross's interpretations turn myths into mirrors of modern identity. • The West wasn't just wild—it was deeply human. Behind the gunfights and legends were friendships, regrets, and moments of grace. • Museums keep the story alive. Both Scottsdale's Western Spirit and Prescott's Sharlot Hall Museum remind us that our past is worth seeing, hearing, and reimagining.

Take Note and Share

Tell someone about Billy the Kid's unlikely artistic afterlife—or about Doc Holliday's tearful moment of remorse, seldom told in the movies. Visit the exhibits if you can, or explore True West Magazine to dive deeper into the stories that shaped the Southwest.

Things to Think About

Every legend is a mirror. What do these stories reveal about us—our fascination with heroes, our tolerance for rebels, and our hunger for meaning in a rough-edged world? As Rosebrook closed the program, he left listeners with this truth: "There's always something new to learn about the past—and something in the past to teach us how to live today."

A Journey Through Ghosts, History, and the Art of Storytelling

Broadcast from the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona Roundup host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes the talented Jody Drake and her cast of performers—Peg Millett, Sherry Graham, Pam, Suzanne, and others—for a spirited preview of Portraits of Fear: A Journey Through Prescott's Haunted Past. This unique production revives an old local tradition, combining ghost tales, folklore, and real history into an evening of storytelling that is both spine-tingling and heartwarming.

The Return of the Ghost Walk Tradition

As Jody Drake recalls, it all began years ago when the Prescott Center for the Arts and the West Yavapai Guidance Clinic launched the first 'Ghost Walk' as a fundraiser at Sharlot Hall. What started as spooky fun evolved into a celebration of Prescott's storytelling heritage. The newest incarnation, Portraits of Fear, revisits that legacy with the creative flair of local women who blend fact and folklore—giving voices to historic figures and restless spirits alike.

Ghosts, Friendship, and Frontier Spirit

What truly animates the program is the camaraderie of the cast. Peg Millett brings her musical flair and love of local lore, Sherry Graham adds humor and drama with tales of 'a very bad man,' and Pam, ever the ranch woman, explores the loneliness and resilience of pioneer mothers. Together they remind listeners that storytelling is not merely about ghosts—it's about connection, courage, and keeping heritage alive.

The Art of Storytelling Lives On

Throughout the conversation, Stuart and Jody emphasize that storytelling is not acting—it's invoking every sense, sparking imagination, and sharing something essential about what it means to be human. Portraits of Fear is part of Sharlot Hall Museum's Twilight Tales series, with performances scheduled for October 24–25 at 4:30 PM. Tickets are available at sharlothallmuseum.org.

Things to Remember, Share, and Take Note Of

• Stories keep communities alive. Prescott's legends may give you chills, but they also warm the heart. • History is best remembered through human voices. Facts fade; stories endure. • Everyone has a story that matters. The storytellers remind us that sharing our own past can connect generations. • Fear and wonder coexist. Mystical experiences, whether ghostly or merely mysterious, teach us curiosity and humility.

Building Community Through Storytelling

Programs like Portraits of Fear show how a museum can be more than an archive—it can be a living, breathing campfire where people gather to share memories. Every town, every business, and every community organization could host similar evenings: heritage nights, storytelling circles, or 'Twilight Tales' that bring people together across generations. Whether around a fire, in a library, or through a podcast, such gatherings build bonds stronger than time.

A Grateful Farewell

Arizona Roundup closes with gratitude—to the cast of Portraits of Fear, to the Sharlot Hall Museum, and to the listeners who keep the spirit of the West alive. As Stuart reminds us, 'Be ready for mystical experiences. When you open yourself to the stories of others, you just might find your own.'

Tickets & Information: Visit www.sharlothallmuseum.org for show details. October 24–25 • Gates open at 4:30 PM • $25 admission

Prescott mornings have a way of greeting you with sunlight and history — and in this latest episode of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes Sally Jackson, Director of Development and Marketing at Sharlot Hall Museum, for a delightful and informative conversation that captures the heart of the museum's mission: to preserve, participate, and pass on the living heritage of Arizona. After a few days of much-needed rain (perhaps too much too quickly, as Sally admits with a chuckle), the gardens of Sharlot Hall have sprung to life again — and so has the museum's calendar. The two discuss the rhythm of desert living — "feast or famine," as Stuart puts it — and how this resilience mirrors the museum's work: thriving in every season, welcoming visitors year-round, and constantly cultivating new ways to connect people to Arizona's story. Membership: A Gateway to 13,000 Museums Sally unveils one of the best-kept secrets in cultural membership: the museum's Friends and Family Membership, which not only supports Prescott's beloved state museum but also grants free access to over 13,000 museums across North America through the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM). For just $100, a family can belong to a network that spans the continent — a "passport to culture," as Stuart calls it. Sally shares real-life examples: one couple used their membership the very next week to visit museums in Colorado, while another purchased one to share with their children out of state. "It's one of those rare memberships," she says, "that keeps giving back — to you and to history itself." Autumn Adventures and Haunted Tales From living history days with blacksmiths and ranch cooks to pop-up art programs and the annual "Twilight Tales" ghost story nights, this fall at Sharlot Hall promises something for everyone. The campus hums with activity: workshops, lectures, crafts, and performances that bring Arizona's frontier past vividly to life. One upcoming highlight is "Portraits of Fear: A Journey Through Prescott's Haunted Past," where visitors meet the spirits of miners, townsfolk, and heroes whose stories linger in the desert air. As Sally says with a grin, "It's historically accurate — and hauntingly fun." Doc Holliday Returns to Town History buffs will be thrilled to hear about the November exhibit "The Doctor Will See You Now: Bringing Doc and the Herbs Home to Prescott," curated by Western icons Bob Boze Bell and Tom Ross. Complemented by historian Brad Courtney's lecture on Doc Holliday and Big Nose Kate, it's an event that celebrates Prescott's Wild West heritage — complete with art, storytelling, and a plaque marking where Doc once lived. As Stuart notes, "Only in Prescott can you walk where Doc Holliday did, see the art inspired by him, and then step into a Victorian gift shop for Christmas shopping all in one day." Prescott: Christmas City and Living Legacy As the city of Prescott transforms into Arizona's official "Christmas City," the Sharlot Hall campus becomes a glowing wonderland — with carolers, cider, cookies, Father Christmas, and more than a thousand visitors strolling through the luminaria-lit grounds. Families who have come for generations share laughter, stories, and a sense of belonging that transcends time. The tradition continues with "A Prescott Christmas Carol," the old-time radio show that fills the air with laughter and nostalgia — and sells out quickly each year. "It's Dickens with a Prescott twist," Sally laughs. Echoes of Time: Recreating Sharlot Hall's 1907 Fundraiser The episode crescendos with an exciting announcement: on January 17, Sharlot Hall Museum will recreate Sharlot's 1907 fundraiser at the historic Elks Theatre — a poetic and musical evening that helped launch the museum itself. Under the direction of Jodi Drake, who portrays Sharlot in living history performances, the show titled "Evening Echoes of Time" promises to be both a fundraiser and a time machine. Guests are encouraged to don Victorian attire and join Prescott's social scene, circa 1907. "This isn't nostalgia," Stuart remarks. "It's living memory — a community keeping faith with its founders."

**Arizona Roundup** host Stuart Rosebrook welcomed Bud Heitman, board chairperson of the Prescott Community Cupboard Food Bank, to the Sharlot Hall Museum for a conversation that reminded listeners that generosity isn't just a holiday tradition—it's a way of life in Arizona.

From Minnesota Winters to Arizona Sunshine

Bud's journey to Prescott spanned Minnesota winters, Cajun kitchens in Louisiana, the neon lights of Las Vegas, and the bustle of Southern California. By 2020, he and his wife settled in Prescott, where he quickly found a calling. Retirement wasn't going to slow him down—especially once his wife hinted he "better find something to do." Volunteering became his new career path, and food banking became his mission.

Feeding Neighbors, Not Statistics

The Prescott Community Cupboard Food Bank may have started in a garage in 1973, but today it feeds more than 600 people each week—including nearly 3,000 children a month. That need might surprise folks who think of Prescott as comfortable cowboy country, but Heitman says food insecurity is real here, especially among the "working poor"—families with jobs who still can't make ends meet.

Bud and Stuart remind listeners, Prescott has a long tradition of neighbors helping neighbors—going back to the days when Boy Scouts collected food on the plaza during Christmas tidings. That spirit is alive today, and every can of soup, every bag of groceries, and every volunteer hour keeps it strong.

So saddle up, Prescott. Whether you drop off a bag of pasta, hand a check to the Cupboard, or roll up your sleeves to volunteer, you're not just feeding a family—you're feeding hope. And that's the kind of roundup worth joining.

Arizona Roundup, hosted by Stuart Rosebrook from the Sharlot Hall Museum, welcomes longtime friend and natural-born storyteller Tim Magill for a lively, memory-rich tour through the power of personal stories. From Ohio matriarchs who raised families on grit and grace to Arizona's own Sharlot Hall blazing a trail in public life, the episode celebrates the people who turned ordinary days into the raw material of history—and why those stories still shape us. Stuart opens with a tribute to strong women in his own lineage and at the Museum—especially Sharlot Hall, Arizona's first woman to hold a paid territorial/state-level position—before steering the conversation to Tim's storytelling work at the Elks Theatre's "Stories That Matter." Think *The Moth*, but with Prescott flavor: true stories, as remembered by the teller, honed through workshops that teach structure, arc, and voice. Tim admits he was self-conscious at first ("Who wants to hear my story?"). But like many of us, he discovered that honest, well-shaped moments—veterans' memories, awkward camp-counselor mishaps, a family recipe, even a rainstorm that quits mid-shower—carry surprising power. When framed with a beginning, turning point, and landing, those small scenes become the way we pass wisdom forward. The episode also honors a larger "why" behind storytelling. Stuart recalls a professor who assigned students to write their own family histories so they could understand what it truly took for them to sit in that classroom. The lesson stuck: real history isn't just headlines and dates; it's everyday life—favorite cookies, holiday pies, the time the camp director pulled out a kazoo and gave every kid permission to be brave and a little goofy.

The latest episode of Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook, recorded at the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, offers an engrossing preview of one of Arizona's most anticipated cultural events: the 27th Annual Prescott Indian Art Market (PIAM). Joined by Dr. Paul Fees, Deputy Director of Programs at Sharlot Hall, Stuart takes listeners inside the history, artistry, and spirit that make this gathering far more than a simple market—it's a living celebration of Native creativity, tradition, and community.

A Market Rooted in Excellence

Founded nearly three decades ago, PIAM has grown into one of the most respected Indian art markets in the Western United States. Unlike many festivals, this is a juried show, meaning every participating artist is carefully selected by a panel of award-winning Native artisans. The result is a collection of approximately 75–80 artists, each presenting authentic, high-quality work—from jewelry and pottery to weaving, glassblowing, and photography. Listeners learn that this event is not just about sales; it's about relationships. Attendees have the rare chance to meet artists face-to-face, hear their stories, and witness live demonstrations of their craft. From Navajo weaving to Hopi basketry, visitors see cultural traditions passed down for generations, alive and evolving in real time.

On a warm summer afternoon at the Sharlot Hall Museum, Arizona Roundup host Stuart Rosebrook welcomed a woman whose name has become synonymous with both leadership and perseverance in Arizona: Karen Fann. As the former president of the Arizona Senate—the second woman in state history to hold that role—and a trailblazing businesswoman, Karen's story is one of grit, resilience, and service.

From Small-Town Roots to Big Horizons

Karen moved to Prescott in 1958, when the population was barely 6,000 and Prescott Valley was still known as Jackass Flat. Her father, a Navy veteran, and her great uncle, Sid Webb, helped shape the community through contracting and civic involvement. Karen recalled a childhood where "everybody knew everybody"—and where, she joked, "you couldn't ditch school or church because word would get back home before you did."

Though her path took her beyond Prescott for a time—working for airlines in Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Phoenix—her heart always pulled her home. That homecoming would eventually lead her into entrepreneurship, public service, and statewide leadership.

The latest episode of Arizona Roundup, hosted by Stuart Rosebrook at the Sharlot Hall Museum, welcomed Cheryl Rolland, Vice President and Branch Manager of Pinnacle Bank's downtown Prescott branch. What followed was a lively and engaging conversation that blended hometown storytelling, community pride, and a reminder of why Prescott is one of Arizona's true gems.

A Native Arizonan with Deep Roots

Cheryl, an Arizona native, shared her journey from childhood in the White Mountains near Show Low and St. Johns to her senior year move to Prescott Valley—a relocation she wasn't exactly thrilled about at the time. Missing her senior trip felt like a teenage tragedy, but the story came full circle as she reflected with gratitude on how Prescott became her home and community. Her tale blessings .captured the spirit of resilience and how unexpected detours often become defining

Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook, recorded at the historic Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, welcomed community leader and businesswoman Lenora Bennett-Bateman for a heartfelt conversation about family, heritage, hard work, and what it means to call Prescott 'everybody's hometown.'

A Family Story Rooted in Prescott so join us as we learn about milk pails to fuel trucks and all the stories of grit grace and hard work.

Prescott, AZ

On the latest episode of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook brought together two acclaimed Western historians for an unforgettable conversation that peeled back the layers of myth and legend surrounding one of the West's most fascinating (and fiercely self-edited) figures: Josephine "Sadie" Earp.

Joining Stuart at the Sharlot Hall Museum were Peter Brand, visiting all the way from Sydney, Australia, and Prescott's own Brad Courtney, known as the "Whiskey Row Historian." What ensued was a lively and revelatory discussion that both entertained and educated—complete with tall tales, hard truths, and even a few outlaw aliases.