Portraits of Fear — Prescott’s Haunted Past Comes Alive at Sharlot Hall Museum

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