For Immediate Release
Contact Denise Lopez
(480) 926-1577
 
 
HD SOUTH-HOME OF THE GILBERT HISTORICAL MUSEUM
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
October 2025
 
Gilbert, AZ ( August 26, 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 . 
 
October Events
GENTE DE MAIZ
On display in Gallery 4 until November 1^st, this series of watercolor and drawn portraits by critically acclaimed local artist Edgar Fernandez is dedicated to everyday people who embody the ancestral understanding that humans are like Maíz.  Each piece features a grid in the background symbolizing societal constraints, while the subjects depicted represent the act of transcending these limitations to realize their fullest potential.  Edgar Fernandez (B.1990, Los Angeles, California) is an Artist based in Phoenix, Arizona. His Practice foregrounds pro-indigenous perspectives and explores Xicano identity, drawing deeply from his ancestral heritage. Fernandez is an award-winning artist featured in solo exhibitions, group shows, residencies, and public art mural projects and is dedicated to creating culturally relevant work that reflects the community shaping his artistic practice.  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. 
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
On display from September 15-October 15, stories and pictures of Hispanic families who were instrumental in the settling and progress of Gilbert.  In this exhibit you’ll have the opportunity to read about early life for Hispanic settlers, including recollections surrounding hard work, family times, and community.  Don’t miss your chance to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and learn a little more about the people who helped shape Gilbert.  Exhibit admission is included in the price of museum admission.
HARVEST IN THE HERITAGE DISTRICT
Fall is calling, and we’re gearing up for a season full of festive fun!  Harvest in the Heritage District returns for its third year, kicking off September 26 and running through November 2. 
This month-long celebration invites visitors and residents to enjoy special events, temporary art installations, fall promotions, and more.  New this year, popular American sculptor Ray Villafane, known for his whimsical pumpkin vignettes will create a fun and interactive scavenger hunt called, The Great Gilbert Gourd Hunt.  Ray’s work has been showcased around the globe—everywhere from the White House to the Desert Botanical Gardens.  For more information about Harvest in the Heritage District, please visit discovergilbert.com/harvest.
 
October Programs
YOGA AT HD SOUTH
October 6, 20, 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
TRAVEL THE WORLD
October 7, 14, 21, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm   Join HD SOUTH as we welcome world travel expert extraordinaire Tim Steele and his wife Carol who will share their experiences with traveling the world economically. This travel presentation will include information on great travel locations, the cost of travel, accommodations, food, transportation, and more. Being prepared is the key! In this 3-part program, Tim and Carol will teach you how to make your next trip abroad a wonderful travel experience while keeping costs low. Pictures and artifacts are included. Registration is required. Cost: FREE 
BOY OUTTA THE BUSH
October 7, 2025| 6:30pm – 8:00pm   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 fascinating 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. Cost: FREE
ADVENTURES IN ART WITH GVAL
October 11, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm   Join HD SOUTH and the Gilbert Visual Arts League 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.
PARTY IN THE STARS
October 15, 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~
 
PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT MAKE AND PLAY
October 18, 2025 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm   Play musical instruments from around the world with ASU Professors Emeritus Duane and Maureen Roen, in this fun and interactive musical workshop. Learn how to make and play simple percussion instrument from items found around the home. The workshop will end with a brief concert performance alongside Duane and Maureen. Supplies provided. Ages 6 & up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
FAMILY HISTORY – MEMORIES ON WHEELS 
October 21, 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. A great way to access rich memories is to think about or ask a family member about experiences and memorable moments related to transportation of any kind. Maybe it’s a bike or car you saved up for—or that you never had but always envied. The bus you rode to school, a farm tractor, or your grandfather’s old, rusted Chevy. In this workshop we will share some of those memories in conversation and writing (please bring paper and pen or a laptop). Ages 14 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
COOKIE DECORATING WITH MAE’S COOKIE JAR
October 23, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm   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
STEM SATURDAY
October 25, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:00pm   Spend a Saturday morning at the museum conducting fun and exciting science experiments. Local teacher, Erik Gillman, will guide participants through a workshop that will allow them to carve their own wood art project using computer numerical control. Kids will create a design on a Chromebook using EASEL software and convert the design into GCODE which the engraver understands. Then set up the engraver to start the process. Ages 12 and up. Supplies are provided. Class size limited. Registration is required. Cost: FREE
THE MAKING OF A CHILDREN’S BOOK
October 25, 2025 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm   Join local children’s picture book author-illustrator, Jenifer Tull-Gauger, for a book talk on the behind-the-scenes making of a children’s picture book. The author will show and tell about the adventure of creating her first children’s picture book, The Can-Do Karate Kids: A Dojo Kun Character Book on Defeating Laziness & Procrastination, from her character-building. Topics include inspiration, tough decisions, and the process that she went through to write and illustrate the book. Jenifer’s books are geared toward children ages 5 to 10, but all ages are welcome to join this special event. Registration required. Cost: FREE
SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF                                                                                                                                       October 28, 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.
 
 
SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
October 30, 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
 
 
 
# # #
 
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