Originally opened as Gilbert Elementary School in 1913, HD SOUTH is the oldest building still standing in Gilbert and is the only one on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gilbert Historic Society had been meeting since 1960 and was incorporated in 1979 but had no official building to call their own. When the school closed in 1977 and the building became available, the historical society leased it from Gilbert Public Schools and opened the historical museum in 1982. Then in 1985, through the generous donation of Otto and Edna Neely, the Society purchased the building and the land.
A Home For Arts, Culture & History in Gilbert
In October 2017, the Society officially began using the new HD SOUTH name with the tag line, “Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum.” The name HD SOUTH was chosen because of the special and unique location of the building at the south end of the vibrant and popular Heritage District.
Our Vision
We envision communities where all generations know, trust, and care for one another.
Our Mission
Gilbert Historical Society is the vibrant cornerstone of an intergenerational community that celebrates the past, inspires unity of all people, and cultivates life-enriching collaboration.
Our Values
- Stewards of history
- Inclusive of all people
- Bridging generations
- Catalyst for connection