For Immediate Release
Contact Denise Lopez
(480) 926-1577
 
 
HD SOUTH-HOME OF THE GILBERT HISTORICAL MUSEUM
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
September 2025
 
Gilbert, AZ (July 29, 2025) – HD SOUTH, Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum, is the East Valley’s arts, culture, & history center and offers a series of exciting and informative programs for people of all ages. These programs are led by artists, historians, storytellers, health and wellness specialists, botanists, and scientists; experts in their field who share their knowledge and skills with our community.  To register, visit www.hdsouth.org/calendar . 
 
September Events
THE MAN OF STEEL
Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap the Gilbert water tower in a single bound—it’s Superman!  Since 1938, Superman has been a global icon, transcending his original stories created by Cleveland’s Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster to become a sensation of film, television, animation, and more. On loan from local cartoonist and uber-collector Russ Kazmierczak, and in celebration of this summer’s Superman film, museum guests can see fantastic array of memorabilia highlighting the legacy of the Man Of Steel.  This special and unique exhibit will be on display until September 8^th. 
DREAMSCAPES AND SPACES BETWEEN
On display in Gallery 4, through September 13, 2025, this collaborative body of work by Cyd Peroni and Nancy Miller uses the metaphor of dreams to explore the conscious and unconscious, the real and the imagined, the certain, the maybe, the controllable and serendipitous. The pair worked side-by-side blending their individual photographs, hearts, and minds to create one unified image.  Through distortion and photographic layering techniques, they use familiar elements like water, the human body, plants, and animals as entry points into hidden meanings, questions about accepted norms, and how perceived reality may affect our view of the world.  Gallery 4 admission is included in the price of Museum admission. 
TIMELESS BEAUTY IN GILBERT
From September 8^th through November 17^th, step back in time and discover the tools, trends, and timeless allure of beauty through the decades in this fascinating exhibit from the collection archives at HD SOUTH.  Timeless Beauty showcases a curated collection of vintage beauty gadgets, cosmetics, and personal care items.  Explore how evolving ideals of beauty shaped innovation and style and learn how these once-cutting-edge inventions reflect the culture, fashion, and social norms of their eras. This nostalgic exhibit invites visitors to reflect on changing routines of self-care and the enduring desire to feel confident, creative, and beautiful.  Whether you're intrigued by the science behind the styles or simply love a good throwback, this exhibit offers a charming and insightful look at the history of looking your best. 
September Programs
ART THERAPY
September 2, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Welcome back Michelle Simoneaux, MA, RN, as she shares her expertise and the therapeutic value of art. Her journey in art began with sketching, oil painting, and sculpting before the age of 12. While raising her children she did crafting, cake decorating, and sewing. Michelle decided to go back to school and became a registered nurse. During this process she discovered scientific evidence of the therapeutic nature of creativity, and as an RN encouraged art as therapy. There will be a presentation on the benefits of art therapy as well as artwork on display. Registration is required. Cost: FREE
CHILDREN’S AUTHOR VISIT-BOOK READING
September 6, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:00pm. HD SOUTH welcomes local author Sande Roberts and her wonderful book “Blake’s Big Day”. Sande will read from her book and share with participants a story about Blake, who counts himself a very lucky cat when a man named Glen decides to adopt him. Little did they both know; Glen is lucky as well. Blake interrupts Glen’s seizure, which strengthens their bond and gains Blake national recognition. Follow Blake’s true story journey from rescue cat to hero cat, taking him and his friend Glen all the way to New York City. Ages 5 and up.  Registration required. Cost: FREE
LUNCH HOUR BOOK CLUB
September 8 & September 22, 2025| 11:30am-1:00pm. 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 September book selection is “The Lion Women Of Tehran” by Marjan Kamali.  Set against three transformative decades in Tehran, The Lion Women of Tehran is a mesmerizing tale of love and courage, and a sweeping exploration of how profoundly we are shaped by those we meet when we are young.  Advanced registration is required and limited to the first 12 registrants. To register and purchase the book, visit www.literallybookshop.com.
YOGA AT HD SOUTH-CLASSES FULL
September 8, 22, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm. Join HD SOUTH and Yoga’s Arc, Alyssa Schaeffer for an hour of yoga that will help relax participants while conditioning muscles.  Enjoy the benefits of effective breathing, improved flexibility, and greater balance.  This is an all-level yoga class for teens through adults.  Please bring a yoga mat, water, and wear comfortable clothing. Registration is required.  Cost: FREE
HISTORY OF RAILROADS
September 9, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Ride the rails with historian David Doiron, as he shares his knowledge of Arizona’s railway system using historical photographs, artifacts, and maps. Participants will be able to handle and examine relics of railroading including a piece of rail from the Gold Spike ceremony at Promontory. Registration required. Cost: FREE
SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS-PROGRAM FULL
September 11, 2025 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm. 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. Cost: FREE
 
 ADVENTURES IN ART WITH GVAL
September 13, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm. Join us at HD SOUTH for this fun and interactive art workshop. Pam Hendricks, a member of the Gilbert Visual Arts League (GVAL) will lead participants through a workshop teaching new artistic techniques. All supplies provided. Registration is required. See the calendar for this month’s art project. Cost: Members: FREE; Non-members $5.
FAMILY HISTORY-THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN OUR FAMILIES 
September 16, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm. 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 look at our family history. Music plays many roles for each of us and our families. For example, when we hear a song from our teenage years, it can bring back a flood of memories about what was happening in our lives at the time. Or when we hear our mother’s favorite song, it can make us think about her. In this workshop, we will write about songs that have been meaningful to us and/or members of our families (please bring paper and a pen or a laptop). Ages 14 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
PARTY IN THE STARS-PROGRAM FULL
September 17, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm. 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. Cost: FREE
~donations for EVAC are accepted at the observatory~
AUTHOR VISIT-BOOK READING
September 20, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:00pm.  Join debut author Ronni Chavez for an insightful exploration of her novel, “The Crazy Quilter”. With degrees in history and library science, Ronni Chavez brings a love of research to weaving together her twin passions of writing and quilting. Her debut novel, 'The Crazy Quilter,' is a cozy gothic mystery of missing heirloom quilts, a haunted quilt shop, and the healing power of quilting.  Ronni will share her creative process and the quilts that have shaped her journey—featuring both vintage pieces and her original designs. Registration required. Cost: FREE
SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF                                                                                                                                September 23, 2025 | 6:30pm-7:30pm.   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 due to limited space. Ages 16 & up. Cost: $5 per person.
STEM SATURDAY
September 27, 2025 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm.  Have fun at the museum on Saturday afternoon 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. Cost: FREE
  
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About HD SOUTH: Originally opened as Gilbert Elementary School in 1913, HD SOUTH—Home of The Gilbert Historical Museum, is the oldest building still standing in Gilbert and is the only one on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum has made great strides to become one of Arizona’s premier community history museums as well as a center for arts and culture.  HD SOUTH is the vibrant cornerstone of an intergenerational community that celebrates the past, inspires unity of all people, and cultivates life-enriching collaboration. The programs and events at HD SOUTH focus on six community pillars and are designed for all generations. These pillars include History, Health & Wellness, Science, Literature, Art, and Music.  A private 501(c)3 non-profit, HD SOUTH is a catalyst for connection while bridging generations and maintaining a stewardship of history.  For more information and to see our calendar of events, visit www.hdsouth.org