By BARRY BARBE, Across the Street columnist

With a family lineage that spans four generations, Sally Jackson seems the perfect fit to work with the Sharlot Hall Museum at 420 Gurley St. as their director of development.

Much like Sharlot, Sally’s great-grandmother arrived in the Verde Valley via wagon train from Missouri in pursuit of a better life and opportunity in the lush farmland of the area fed by the Verde River.

While her great-grandmother arrived in 1875, her great-grandfather arrived later, in 1880, from Maine. The cross-country trek involved rail, stagecoach, and finally arriving in the Verde on a postal supply wagon. His name was WA Jordan.

Continuing with the family story, Sally adds that her grandfather, Parson James Clausen Bristo, was the first preacher to present a Baptist sermon in the Verde.

Sally’s family history and her own personal experience tells of the changes that have occurred, yet also the similarities as to issues confronted by both pioneers and ourselves.

While travel has obviously become much easier, the change and effects of the environment due to our encroachment into what was once wilderness has been less positive.

“My grandfather being a farmer, came to realize the affects of the smoke emitted from the smelting plants that began becoming more prevalent in the area, and noticed the adverse effect of the smoke they emitted had on the farmlands,” Sally said. “So, he gathered a group of ranchers and farmers and took the owners of the plants to court.”

The case would go all the way to Washington, who proclaimed, “We don’t consider pollution to be a national concern.” The case was eventually resolved in the 9th Circuit out of San Francisco in favor of the farmers. This was during the early 1920s.

The family would later relocate to Sedona where some of the family still remains.

Along with her family’s history and stories, Sally also recalls eighth grade, when students were required to take a class on Arizona History. “At the time Arizona had only 12 counties, and we learned so much about our state. Where all the little small towns in Arizona were as well as the Five C’s ‘Copper, Citrus, Climate, Cotton and Cattle.’”

As the director of development for Sharlot Hall, Sally is involved in many aspects of the four-acre property that opened in 1928. The historical buildings, as well as the current facilities, are a result of the vison of Sharlot Hall, who arrived at the age of 10 via stagecoach.

Considered to be the crowning jewel of Prescott, the property offers a glimpse, well more than a glimpse, into the history of the Arizona Highlands, Prescott, and the surrounding area.

Along with the constant exhibits, the museum also hosts a rotating showing of exhibits in the various galleries.

Currently, “To the Rodeo Pardner” tells the tales, history, and influence of the “World’s Oldest Rodeo.” The exhibit runs through rodeo week, July 7.

May 21-31 is “Smokey Bear – The Rudy Wendelin Collection” in partnership with the National Forest Service.

Saturday, May 18, marks the return of the museum’s signature event, Sharlot’s Cellar.

With limited tickets sales, the event allows guests to converse, enjoy the rose garden and stroll the museum grounds that hold 11 buildings including the new education building that opened two years ago.

The Governor’s Mansion, was built on site in 1864, while the other buildings, including the Fremont House, were moved from other locations.

The afternoon offers finds of a different kind as guests walk the museum grounds and gardens sampling tasting selections from 10 local restaurants paired with complementary wines provided by Action Wine and Spirits. Mocktails and mead from Superstition Meadery, and wine from the Yavapai College Viticulture Program will also be presented.

Along with the wandering buffet, the porch of the Governor’s Mansion will play stage to members of the Arizona Philharmonic, while The Carlos B Jones Jazz Trio will entertain in the shade of the amphitheater.

Tickets for the soiree are $90, with all proceeds going to continue the mission of Sharlot Hall.

Participating restaurants include: Biga by Senses, The County Seat, Russo’s Cheesecake and Deli, Torme, Back Alley Cheese Bar, The Bistro St. Michael’s, Triple Creek, The Palace, El Gato Azul, and Rosa’s.

Tastes to be presented include: sweet potato ravioli, smoked pork belly, baked ziti, triple creek jambalaya, Thai shrimp dumplings, seared salmon with cucumber, stuffed mushrooms, and more.

For more information on Sharlot’s Cellar and all events, exhibits and membership, visit Sharlothallmuseum.org.

Sharlot’s Cellar takes place, Saturday, May 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. with limited tickets available.