The Sedona Heritage Museum hosts the next event in the Living History Speakers Series on Thursday, March 9 at 10:00 am, with Parker Anderson presenting “Charles P. Stanton – Arizona Gold Gangsters.”

Charles P. Stanton is one of Arizona’s most enduring folklore characters, and his portrayal as an escaped mass murderer is legendary. But are these stories true? Arizona historian Parker Anderson has delved into the extant historical record and uncovered many new pieces of information.

The alleged crime boss oversaw a reign of terror in the small mining town that bears his name, about 20 miles north of Wickenburg. Driven by greed, he stole ores, robbed mines of their owners, and took bribes to escape justice. Those who crossed him usually ended up dead. Based on original sources such as court documents and newspapers, Anderson reveals the true story of Stanton for the first time, opening up the possibility that the enigmatic Irish lord is innocent of the horrific crimes that folklore has attributed to him. increase.

Anderson has written a book on the subject that will be available for purchase after the talk.

Parker Anderson is an Arizona native and a recognized historian in Prescott. He is the author of books on the Prescott Elks Opera House, the Yavapai County Cemetery, and the Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery. He wrote for the Prescott Courier’s weekly history column, “Days Past,” and wrote a number of Arizona historical plays for the Blue Rose Theatre.

The program takes place in the museum’s historic fruit packing shed and is free and open to the public.

Each year, the Sedona Heritage Museum hosts a series of Living History Talks. Speakers include descendants of pioneers, long-time residents with historical stories to share, or other storytellers of history. The museum is located at 735 Jordan Road in Jordan Historical Park in uptown Sedona and is open daily from 11 am to 3 pm. Please call 928-282-7038 for more information.