From London to the American West
How Katie Haber Helped Shape Hollywood—and the Legacy of Junior Bonner

From London to the American West
How Katie Haber Helped Shape Hollywood—and the Legacy of Junior Bonner

History often remembers the stars whose names appear above the title. Far less often does it remember the remarkable people standing just outside the camera frame—the trusted collaborators whose judgment, loyalty, and quiet leadership help make cinematic history possible. Katie Haber is one of those people. To generations of moviegoers, Junior Bonner is remembered as one of Steve McQueen's most thoughtful performances and one of director Sam Peckinpah's most personal films. Set against the backdrop of Prescott, Arizona, and the World's Oldest Rodeo, the film has become a beloved portrait of family, tradition, and the changing American West. But behind the cameras stood a young woman from London whose extraordinary life journey would eventually touch Hollywood, education, public service, and thousands of young lives. A Childhood Shaped by Survival Katie Haber was born and raised in London, the daughter of parents who escaped Nazi persecution before the Holocaust engulfed Europe. Her father, Henry, became a distinguished physician but never escaped the emotional wounds left by the loss of family during the Holocaust. Katie intended to become a doctor herself until his tragic death redirected the course of her life forever. Discovering Another Calling Her father also loved filmmaking, carrying an 8mm camera everywhere. Those home movies quietly planted the seeds of another vocation. Katie entered Britain's film industry, working first for the Rank Organisation before assisting American productions in England. Meeting Sam Peckinpah One phone call changed everything. Sam Peckinpah needed an assistant. Their first conversation ended abruptly when Katie declined to leave Wimbledon immediately to meet him. Two weeks later he called again after several assistants had failed. Katie accepted, beginning one of the most remarkable partnerships in modern filmmaking. From England to Prescott After Straw Dogs, Peckinpah summoned Katie to Arizona for Junior Bonner. Arriving in Prescott in the summer of 1971, she found herself surrounded by Steve McQueen, Ben Johnson, Ida Lupino, Lucien Ballard, Jerry Fielding, Jeb Rosebrook, and an extraordinary creative team capturing one of the finest portraits ever filmed of the American West. The Woman Beside the Director Katie became far more than an assistant. She protected Peckinpah's time, solved problems, mediated conflicts, and allowed the director to focus on creativity. Film critic Mark Kermode would later suggest that many of Peckinpah's later films might never have been completed without her steady presence. Why Junior Bonner Endures Unlike Peckinpah's violent masterpieces, Junior Bonner is a deeply human story about family, reconciliation, and a changing West. Steve McQueen connected personally with its themes of fathers, belonging, and home. More than fifty years later, the film remains one of the director's warmest and most enduring achievements. Beyond Hollywood Katie continued through The Getaway, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia, The Killer Elite, Cross of Iron, Convoy, and later helped produce Blade Runner, becoming part of cinematic history. A Legacy of Service Rather than resting on Hollywood success, Katie dedicated herself to serving young people through film education, Shakespeare programs, and the groundbreaking Compton Cricket Club, helping countless students discover purpose and opportunity. Her humanitarian work earned both an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II and the Martin Luther King Jr. Keeper of the Dream Award. Giving Back Katie believes the richest rewards in life come not from taking but from giving. That philosophy has shaped every chapter of her remarkable journey—from London to Hollywood, from Prescott to Los Angeles, and from filmmaking to changing lives. Conclusion As Prescott celebrates the enduring legacy of Junior Bonner, it also celebrates one of the quiet architects behind its success. Katie Haber's story reminds us that while some people make movies, others make history. She accomplished both.

The Music Returns Home How One Folk Festival Helped Shape Arizona's Musical Soul

Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook welcomes legendary musician and producer Tom Agostino as the Sharlot Hall Museum prepares for the return of its historic Folk Festival. Some events simply entertain us. Others become part of a community's identity. The return of the 42nd Annual Sharlot Hall Museum Folk Festival is one of those rare occasions that does both. In this engaging edition of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook sits down with longtime musician, producer, broadcaster, and festival creative director Tom Agostino to explore not only the history of Arizona's oldest folk festival, but also the remarkable journey that brought Tom from Brooklyn to Detroit, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and finally Prescott—where his passion for music has helped inspire generations of musicians and music lovers. The conversation quickly becomes much more than an interview about an upcoming event. It becomes a celebration of how music builds communities, preserves history, strengthens families, and reminds us that every generation has songs that become the soundtrack of their lives. Tom shares delightful stories of meeting legendary performers, producing concerts, launching a nineteen-and-a-half-year radio career, and discovering that the original Sharlot Hall Folk Festival helped inspire many of Arizona's other folk festivals—including the Glendale Folk Festival itself. Listeners will enjoy fascinating behind-the-scenes stories involving Johnny Cash, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, the Kingston Trio, Gordon Lightfoot, Guy Clark, Bruce Cockburn, David Copperfield, Jerry Jeff Walker, Carole King, Roger McGuinn, and many others whose music shaped America. But perhaps the greatest story is happening right now. After several years away, one of Arizona's most beloved musical traditions is returning to the beautiful grounds of Sharlot Hall Museum. On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the museum will once again come alive with music, storytelling, workshops, dancing, children's activities, song circles, choirs, Celtic performers, bluegrass, Americana, cowboy music, outlaw country, international folk traditions, and dozens of outstanding musicians from across Arizona. The celebration actually begins the evening before with an extraordinary concert featuring the Folk Legacy Trio, whose members have performed with some of the greatest names in American folk music. Their intimate Friday evening performance at Sharlot Hall Museum promises to be one of the most memorable musical evenings Prescott has hosted in years. Throughout the conversation, Stuart and Tom remind us that folk music has never been about nostalgia alone. It is music that tells stories. Music that brings strangers together. Music that reminds us where we came from—and perhaps where we are headed. Whether your favorite artists are the Kingston Trio, Johnny Cash, Gordon Lightfoot, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, the Carter Family, Guy Clark, or today's Americana performers, you'll discover that this festival celebrates the rich tapestry of music that continues to connect generations. More importantly, you'll discover why Prescott has quietly become one of Arizona's most important homes for folk music. The enthusiasm between Stuart Rosebrook and Tom Agostino is contagious, making this episode one that music lovers, history enthusiasts, families, and anyone who appreciates community will thoroughly enjoy. The music isn't simply returning. A treasured Arizona tradition is coming home. Things to Remember Great communities preserve more than buildings—they preserve traditions. Music has a unique ability to connect generations and create lifelong memories. The Sharlot Hall Folk Festival helped inspire many of Arizona's folk music events and remains one of the state's historic cultural treasures. Folk music continues to evolve while honoring the stories and traditions that shaped America. The return of this festival represents the renewal of an important part of Prescott's cultural heritage. Things to Share Invite friends, family members, neighbors, and fellow music lovers to experience the festival together. Share this podcast with anyone who appreciates Arizona history, Americana, folk music, bluegrass, cowboy music, or community events. Encourage younger generations to discover the music and stories that have shaped Arizona and America. Help spread the word that one of Arizona's great musical traditions has returned. Things to Do Mark your calendar now for Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, 2026. Attend the intimate Folk Legacy Trio concert on Friday evening before tickets sell out. Spend the entire day at the 42nd Annual Sharlot Hall Museum Folk Festival on Saturday. Bring your family, your friends, and if you're a musician, bring your instrument and join the celebration. Explore the museum grounds, enjoy the workshops, song circles, children's activities, and outstanding performances throughout the day. Visit the museum's exhibits while you're there and discover why Sharlot Hall Museum remains one of Arizona's premier historical treasures. Join the Celebration The revival of the Sharlot Hall Museum Folk Festival is more than another concert. It is an invitation to become part of Arizona's living history. Support the musicians. Support the volunteers. Support the museum. Purchase your tickets, invite someone to come with you, and experience a day where music, history, friendship, and community come together in one unforgettable celebration. For festival information, concert details, museum exhibits, memberships, and upcoming events, visit Sharlot Hall Museum and become part of preserving Arizona's remarkable story for future generations. And while you're there, be sure to subscribe to Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook, where the stories, people, and traditions that make Arizona unique continue to come alive for listeners around the world.

Why Prescott's Fourth of July May Be America's Most Authentic Independence Day Celebration

Arizona Roundup Special Celebrating America's 250th in Arizona's Hometown As America prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence, few places capture the spirit of the nation's birthday quite like Prescott, Arizona. In this special Fourth of July edition of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes Sharlot Hall Museum Director of Development and Marketing Sally Jackson for a lively conversation about history, community, patriotism, and one of the most remarkable Independence Day celebrations anywhere in America. Together they invite listeners behind the scenes of one of Arizona's most beloved traditions while introducing an exciting new event that promises to become a Fourth of July tradition for generations to come. A Celebration 250 Years in the Making This year's Independence Day carries extraordinary significance. America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, and Prescott—a community whose own history is deeply intertwined with the American West—is preparing to celebrate in unforgettable fashion. Rosebrook and Jackson recall childhood Fourth of July memories, family traditions, fireworks, rodeos, and small-town celebrations before turning their attention to the remarkable events taking place at Sharlot Hall Museum during this historic week. The result is a warm and personal conversation that reminds listeners that history is not simply something we study—it is something we celebrate together. Introducing American Heritage Day One of the highlights of the episode is the introduction of the Museum's inaugural American Heritage Day, taking place on Friday, July 3. Designed as an old-fashioned family celebration, the event combines education, entertainment, patriotism, music, food, living history, children's activities, and community fellowship. Visitors will enjoy: Living history demonstrations Historic buildings open throughout the campus Pioneer games Music from the Phoenix Pioneer Brass Band Patriotic ceremonies The reading of portions of the Declaration of Independence in both English and Spanish Patrick Henry's famous 'Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death' speech Historic military presentations Family activities Crafts Children's parade Historic exhibits A traditional Fourth of July picnic atmosphere The World's Oldest Rodeo No Fourth of July in Prescott would be complete without the World's Oldest Rodeo. Listeners receive an insider's look at the famous Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo, the historic parade, and the Museum's largest parade participation in decades. Historic Arizona Bicentennial Wagon Restored Farm Wagon Beautiful Percheron horse teams Historic flags representing America's growth Vintage automobiles Volunteers in period costume Sharlot Hall Museum's impressive community presence Bringing History to Life One of the strengths of this conversation is its reminder that museums are far more than collections of old artifacts. At Sharlot Hall Museum, history lives. Whether visitors are watching blacksmiths work, listening to cowboy poetry, participating in pioneer games, or hearing the words of the Declaration of Independence read aloud, history becomes personal. Throughout the conversation, Rosebrook and Jackson continually emphasize that preserving history is ultimately about serving future generations. A Summer Filled with Discovery The Fourth of July celebration is only the beginning. The episode previews an exciting lineup of summer programs including: Twilight Tales Cowboy poetry performances Victorian workshops Flag-making events Downwinder educational presentations Author programs Photography contests Living History Days The Junior Bonner film celebration Prescott Indian Art Market The return of the Sharlot Hall Folk Music Festival Each event reflects the Museum's commitment to connecting Arizona's past with today's community. Why This Episode Matters At a time when many Americans are searching for places where history, community, and patriotism can still be celebrated together, this episode offers something refreshing. It reminds listeners that patriotism is best expressed through gratitude, service, education, and remembering the people whose sacrifices built our nation. More importantly, it demonstrates that local history remains one of America's greatest treasures. The stories preserved at Sharlot Hall Museum belong not only to Arizona but to the entire country. This is an episode that will leave listeners proud of America's past and hopeful about its future. Things to Remember America's 250th Anniversary is a once-in-a-generation celebration. Prescott offers one of America's most authentic Independence Day experiences. Sharlot Hall Museum brings history to life through living demonstrations, community events, and educational programming. Local history helps us better understand our national story. Celebrating freedom begins by remembering those who preserved it. Things to Share Invite family and friends to experience American Heritage Day. Share this Arizona Roundup episode with anyone who loves Arizona history, Western heritage, or American traditions. Encourage young people to experience living history firsthand. Tell others about the many educational and cultural programs offered throughout the summer. Things to Take Note Of—and Perhaps Act Upon Attend American Heritage Day on July 3 at Sharlot Hall Museum. Watch the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Parade on July 4. Visit the Museum during its free community hours following the parade. Become a member of Sharlot Hall Museum and help preserve Arizona's remarkable story. Explore the Museum's calendar of events and make history part of your family's tradition. Learn More and Get Involved Whether you are a lifelong Arizonan, a visitor discovering Prescott for the first time, or someone listening from anywhere around the world, Sharlot Hall Museum offers an invitation to experience history in a deeply personal way. Membership, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, exhibitions, and special events help ensure that Arizona's rich heritage continues to inspire future generations. The Museum welcomes visitors throughout the year and invites everyone to become part of preserving one of America's great historical treasures. A Final Word of Encouragement Every generation is entrusted with the responsibility of preserving the stories that shaped its freedom. As America celebrates 250 years of independence, may we do more than remember history—may we live it. Visit a museum. Attend a community celebration. Teach a child. Honor a veteran. Read the Declaration of Independence. Celebrate your hometown. And wherever you are this Fourth of July, take a moment to give thanks for the blessings of liberty and the remarkable people whose courage made those blessings possible. History lives when we choose to remember—and it grows stronger when we choose to share it. Happy Independence Day from everyone at Arizona Roundup and Sharlot Hall Museum.

Prescott's Greatest Week: Celebrating Freedom, Heritage, and the World's Oldest Rodeo

Every community has a signature event. For Prescott, Arizona, that event is the legendary World's Oldest Rodeo. This special Arizona Roundup program explored the 139th annual World's Oldest Rodeo and the many community celebrations surrounding America's 250th anniversary. Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom The 2026 theme is 'Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom.' Visitors will experience rodeo competition, patriotic ceremonies, community events, parades, music, family activities, and historical commemorations. A Rodeo Tradition Meets Modern Improvements This year brings grandstand upgrades, improved sound systems, infrastructure enhancements, and a better visitor experience while preserving the traditions that make Prescott unique. National Recognition National Geographic selected the World's Oldest Rodeo to represent Arizona in its America 250 publication, recognizing it as one of the state's great cultural treasures. Special Nights and Community Tributes Highlights include Riding for a Cure, First Responders Tribute Night, Military Appreciation events, Old Timers recognition, and other celebrations that honor service, sacrifice, and community. More Than a Rodeo The week includes parades, dances, museum events, heritage celebrations, historical reenactments, and family activities across Prescott. Sharlot Hall Museum will host American Heritage Day as part of the festivities. Things to Remember • June 29–July 5: World's Oldest Rodeo • Theme: Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom • Expanded shuttle service • National recognition from National Geographic • A uniquely Prescott Fourth of July experience Things to Share Invite friends and family, promote local history, and encourage others to experience Prescott's traditions and heritage. Things to Act Upon Purchase tickets early, reserve lodging, volunteer, support local museums and heritage organizations, and participate in community events. The World's Oldest Rodeo is more than a rodeo. It is a celebration of community, heritage, freedom, and the enduring spirit of America. Prescott is ready. America is celebrating. And the World's Oldest Rodeo is waiting.

Voices That Will Not Fade: Preserving Courage Through Vision of Vets

In this compelling episode of Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook, Prescott native and photographer Anne-Marie Shumate shares the deeply moving story behind Vision of Vets, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the lived experiences of America's combat veterans. Through portraiture and augmented reality, veterans' voices come to life, allowing viewers to both see and hear their stories in their own words. From her early days volunteering at the Sharlot Hall Museum to leading a national storytelling effort, Shumate reveals how history, family legacy, and community inspired her work. The conversation explores themes of memory, sacrifice, technology, and the urgency of preserving stories before they are lost. Key Themes & Highlights • Living history brings emotional truth beyond textbooks. • Vision of Vets bridges generations through storytelling. • There is urgency as WWII veterans are passing daily. • Sharing stories can be healing for veterans. • Prescott's strong veteran heritage supports this mission. • Augmented reality creates immersive storytelling. Things to Remember • Every veteran has a story worth preserving. • History is deeply personal and emotional. • Listening is a meaningful act of respect. • Technology can enhance human connection. • Communities help keep history alive. Things to Share With Others • Visit the Vision of Vets exhibit at Sharlot Hall Museum. • Explore stories online at visionofvets.org. • Encourage conversations with veterans. • Support oral history preservation efforts. • Share awareness within your community. Things to Think About—and Act Upon • Is there a veteran in your family whose story is unrecorded? • How can you help preserve local history? • What role can you play in connecting generations? • Consider supporting Vision of Vets. • Visit museums as active participants. Call to Action Let this episode inspire you to listen more deeply, remember more intentionally, and act more meaningfully. Visit the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, experience the Vision of Vets exhibit, and help preserve these powerful stories. Stay connected and engaged in honoring those who served. When we preserve their voices, we preserve our nation's soul.