HD SOUTH - Home Of The Gilbert Historical Museum

Semiquincentennial
2026-03-10 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Phoenix) | HD SOUTH, 10 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ, 85296, United States
Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial

LUNCH HOUR BOOK CLUB
2026-03-09 11:30 - 13:00
Bring your lunch and join HD SOUTH and Literally, A Bookshop, who have partnered to host a community book club. The Book Club will meet twice a month, and the book selection will be discussed over the course of the two sessions. This month’s selection is “A Maiden’s Prayer” by local author Srianthi Perera. In 1970’s Sri Lanka, marriage proposals were engineered with the help of matchmakers or newspapers. A precocious niece, Tamara de Silva, narrates her uncle’s story of marriage through an often comic, and sometimes romantic, lens of youth. Advanced registration is required and limited to the first 12 registrants. To register and purchase the book visit www.literallybookshop.com

HD South benefit Cornhole Tournament
2026-03-08 10:30 - 14:00
Register Here

TURNING A COMIC BOOK PAGE: KID’S EDITION - THE SUPERHERO WORKSHOP -POSTPONED-
2026-03-07 10:30 - 12:00
-POSTPONED-

Join HD SOUTH as we welcome back local artist Russ Kazmierczak from Turning a Comic Book Page. This fun, interactive workshop will offer kids tips and tricks for creating their own original superheroes, and how to tell stories in the exciting medium of comic books! Prizes will be available for the young artists that attend. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8 to 14. Class size limited.
Registration required.

LINE DANCING
2026-03-02 19:00 - 20:00
Welcome local instructor Jennifer Sherman as she shares her love of music and dance with line dancing instruction. Come join the fun with upbeat music and line-dancing steps that will boost your energy levels and enliven the spirit. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in education and has expanded her work to include movement-based teaching. Attendance limited.
Registration required. Cost: $12 (to be paid using cash or Venmo at the beginning of class).

HD SOUTH's 14th Annual Fundraising Event
2026-02-28 17:30 - 22:30
SAVE THE DATE

ART WITH HEART
2026-02-26 18:30 - 20:00
Welcome Debra McVay M. Ed., for an expressive, intuitive art class for adults, using a guided visualization that will help quiet the busy mind and open a connection to your heart’s intuitive voice. From this reflective space, you’ll create meaningful, intuitive artwork using watercolor—no art experience needed, just a willingness to explore and express from within.
Registration required.

SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF
2026-02-24 18:30 - 19:30
Join Stuart Preston, a certified Sound Practitioner, for a deeply empathetic Sound Meditation session designed for those grappling with loss. It’s not about moving on but finding moments of peace and clarity amidst sorrow. Bring a yoga mat, blankets, and a pillow to create your personal sanctuary. Dress comfortably and arrive 10 minutes early. Learn more about Stuart and this unique practice at www.laostu.com.
Registration is required. Space is limited. Ages 16 & up.

No refunds for registration fees will be given unless the class/program is cancelled by HD SOUTH staff. In the event a class/program is cancelled, please allow 3-4 weeks to receive your refund. Refunds will be issued via check.

21st ANNUAL ART OF QUILTING QUILT SHOW
2026-02-24
HD SOUTH, Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum, invites you to the 21st Annual “Art of Quilting” Show with a special theme of “Red, White, and Blue” in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary. The “Art of Quilting” show will run from February 24 to May 25, 2026. Show admission is included in the price of museum admission.

CHILDREN’S AUTHOR VISIT – BOOK READING
2026-02-21 10:30 - 12:00
HD SOUTH welcomes five-time award-winning author M.S.V Walker as she reads from her new novel Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions. This popular, recently released sci-fi-fantasy novel, promotes character development for Arizona kids who are coming of age. The story takes place in Arizona’s own Superstition Mountains where lightning storms are abundant. Included in the program will be an innovative demonstration using a Tesla coil. An IBEW union electrician of 40 years will oversee the electrical demonstrations. If you already have the book, bring it for a personalized signing. Ages 10 and up.
Registration required.

PARTY IN THE STARS
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00
The East Valley Astronomy Club (EVAC) is a group of more than 100 astronomy enthusiasts which began in 1987 and includes members from all over the Valley. Join EVAC and HD SOUTH for a Star Party where attendees will learn about the cosmos and be able to view celestial bodies in our galaxy! This event takes place at the Observatory at the Riparian Preserve.
Registration is required.

ARIZONA’S GERMAN POWS
2026-02-17 18:30 - 20:00
Welcome back local historian extraordinaire Steve Hoza as he shares interesting facts from Arizona’s history. Arizona was the home to 24 German prisoner of war camps during World War II. Steve has spoken to hundreds of former POW’s, their guards and camp personnel, and presents a gripping history of these camps. Included is the famous mass escape from Papago Park in December of 1944. There will be artifacts from the camps to see. Ages 12 and up.
Registration required.

ADVENTURES IN ART WITH GVAL
2026-02-14 10:30 - 12:00
Join HD SOUTH and the Gilbert Visual Arts League for this fun and interactive art workshop. Pam Hendricks and Donna Finter, members of the Gilbert Visual Arts League (GVAL) , will lead participants through a workshop teaching new artistic techniques. This class will be mixed media with acrylic background and decoupage, using torn paper for images showing hearts and flowers. Enjoy a fun, creative Valentine activity with friends and family. Ages 9 and up. Class project includes lots of creative options and materials to “Do it My Way”. All supplies are provided.
Registration is required..

No refunds for registration fees will be given unless the class/program is cancelled by HD SOUTH staff. In the event a class/program is cancelled, please allow 3-4 weeks to receive your refund. Refunds will be issued via check.

COOKIE DECORATING WITH MAE’S COOKIE JAR
2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00
Whether you come on your own or with friends, you will have a great time decorating gorgeous, themed cookie sets. Guided by the talented Vickie from Mae’s Cookie Jar, participants will learn a variety of cookie decorating techniques including how to hold the icing bags, outlining, flooding, wet on wet techniques, and more! All supplies and a take-home box are provided. Ages 16 and up. See website calendar for this month’s cookie set. Registration is required. www.maescookiejar.com/hdsouth

SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
2026-02-10 18:30 - 19:30
Kids ages seven and older, teens, and adults are invited to join certified black belt instructors from East Valley Martial Arts to learn and brush-up on self-defense. Physical techniques for protecting oneself will be covered, as well as “street smarts” and prevention of incidents. Children ages 7 to 12 must have a parent or guardian present with them. Parents/guardians are welcome to join the class, or to sit quietly and observe from the sidelines. Safety is always a priority, and we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing.
Registration required.

COMMUNITY WIDE FOOD DRIVE
2026-02-10 - 2026-02-21
HD SOUTH will be a drop-off site for the annual Feeding Families community wide food drive held from February 10-February 21. Bring in your non-perishable, non-expired, and non-glass food items to help restock food banks and food pantries after their support of Gilbert residents in need during the holidays

FAMILY HISTORY-WEAVING CULTURAL HISTORY INTO OUR FAMILY HISTORY WRITING
2026-02-07 10:30 - 12:00
Join ASU Professor Emeritus Duane Roen, founding coordinator for the Project for Writing and Recording Family History in the College of Integrative Science and Arts, for this unique family history workshop. Sometimes family historians have only names, dates, and places for ancestors, but the more we gather names, dates, and other genealogical facts, the more we yearn for more personal connections to and understanding of those who came before us. Duane will discuss using cultural/social history to discover more of the stories we write about ancestors. A fun family activity! Bring paper and pen or a laptop. Ages 12 and up.
Registration required.

A CIVIC EVENT—YOU BELONG HERE
2026-02-04 15:00 - 17:00
HD SOUTH, in partnership with the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Citizen University, invites you to attend A Civic Event featuring Music In Common. This curated experience helps people across social divides find common ground through facilitated conversation and music. You won’t want to miss this unique, dynamic, and nationally recognized gathering, guaranteed to spark meaningful community connection and civic action.
REGISTER HERE: A Civic Event (FOUNDATION): You Belong Here – Shaping A Place for All – Feb 4, 2026 – Gilbert Chamber

BOY OUTTA THE BUSH -CANCELED-
2026-02-03 18:30 - 20:00
Find Your Passion…Empower Your Community…Make Someone’s Day! Welcome back Peter Schumann for an hour and a half of humor, inspiration, and adventure. Early in life Peter realized the world was full of fascination, opportunities, adventures, and experiences he would recall as “SURVIVAL” skills that would set the foundation for who he is today. Learn how Peter used his survival skills to make a positive impact in his community. Registration required.

-CANCELED-

STEM SATURDAY
2026-01-31 13:00 - 14:30
Have fun at the museum on Saturday afternoons with AP teacher Karen Maas, from the Gilbert Classical Academy, and her STEM students as they share a STEM learning adventure with participants. GCA students will introduce a variety of activities, including 3D printing with both 3D pens and printers, CAD applications using Tinkercad, Makey Makey apps with fruit, and more!
Registration is required. Registration will close at 12pm on Friday.

JAPANESE INCARCERATION CAMPS
2026-01-29 18:30 - 20:00
Join HD SOUTH as we welcome Midori and Jim Hall for a look at the history of two Japanese American Incarceration Camps in Arizona at Gila River and Poston. You will learn about Midori’s family transfer from California to Arizona where they would live during the years of World War II. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s visit to the Gila River Incarceration camp and her influence. And life after the war. Their experiences are both informational and inspirational. Artifacts will be on display. Age 12 and up.
Registration required.

PARTY IN THE STARS
2026-01-28 19:00 - 20:00
The East Valley Astronomy Club (EVAC) is a group of more than 100 astronomy enthusiasts which began in 1987 and includes members from all over the Valley. Join EVAC and HD SOUTH for a Star Party where attendees will learn about the cosmos and be able to view celestial bodies in our galaxy! This event takes place at the Observatory at the Riparian Preserve. Registration is required.
~donations for EVAC are accepted at the observatory~

SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF
2026-01-27 18:30 - 19:30
Join Stuart Preston, a certified Sound Practitioner, for a deeply empathetic Sound Meditation Session designed for those grappling with loss. It’s not about moving on but finding moments of peace and clarity amidst sorrow. Bring a yoga mat, blankets, and a pillow to create your personal sanctuary. Dress comfortably and arrive 10 minutes early. Learn more about Stuart and this unique practice at www.LaoStu.com.
Registration is required. Ages 16 & up.

LUNCH HOUR BOOK CLUB
2026-01-26 11:30 - 13:00, 2026-01-12 11:30 - 13:00
Bring your lunch and join HD SOUTH and Literally, A Bookshop, who have partnered to host a community book club. The Book Club will meet twice a month, and the book selection will be discussed over the course of the two sessions. The January book selection is “The Mighty Red” by Louise Erdrich. A novel of tender humor, disquietude, yearning, community, and family, it is about ordinary people who dream, grow up, fall in love, struggle, endure tragedy, carry bitter secrets; men and women both complicated and contradictory, flawed and decent, lonely and hopeful. It is a story about our tattered bond with the earth, and about love in all of its absurdity and splendor. Advanced registration is required and limited to the first 12 registrants.
Events 4146820260112 | Literally A Bookshop

ART OF IMAGINATION
2026-01-24 10:30 - 12:00
Join HD SOUTH and Debra McVay M. Ed., for this unique art workshop. Children are guided through a calming visualization that encourages relaxation, imagination, and self-expression. After the guided journey, they’ll paint what they visualized, turning their inner world into meaningful artwork. Visualization helps children build focus, reduce stress, and boost creativity and imagination—all while having fun and expressing themselves through art. Ages 9—13.
Registration required.

FAMILY HISTORY – GETTING STARTED
2026-01-20 18:30 - 20:00
Join ASU professor emeritus Duane Roen, founding coordinator for the Project for Writing and Recording Family History in the College of Integrative Science and Arts, for this unique family history workshop. Have you ever thought about tracing your family’s history but don’t know where to begin? In this workshop we will look at some of the readily available resources, tools, and strategies for getting started researching your roots. This is a great presentation for those with little or no experience in researching family history. Bring paper and pen or a laptop. Age 14 and up.
Registration required.

Edge of Revelation Opening Reception
2026-01-17 18:00 - 20:00

STEM SATURDAY-THE ARDUINO POWERED DRAGSTER
2026-01-17 10:30 - 12:00
Spend a Saturday morning at the museum conducting fun and exciting science experiments with local teacher Erik Gillman. In this class, students will build and program a dragster powered by an Arduino microcontroller. They will learn how to connect various components to the Arduino and then write a program to control the car. Supplies are provided. The cost of the class will allow participants to keep their completed dragster, including the Arduino and all the components. Class size limited. Ages 12-16.
Registration is required. Cost: $35

No refunds for registration fees will be given unless the class/program is cancelled by HD SOUTH staff. In the event a class/program is cancelled, please allow 3-4 weeks to receive your refund. Refunds will be issued via check.

SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
2026-01-13 18:30 - 19:30
Kids ages seven and older, teens, and adults are invited to join certified black belt instructors from East Valley Martial Arts to learn and brush-up on self-defense. Instructors are caring professionals experienced at teaching both kids and adults the life protection arts. Physical techniques for protecting oneself will be covered, as well as “street smarts” and prevention of incidents. Children ages 7 to 12 must have a parent or guardian present with them. Parents/guardians are welcome to join the class, or to sit quietly and observe from the sidelines. Safety is always a priority, and we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing.
Registration required.
