For Immediate Release
Contact Denise Lopez
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HD SOUTH-HOME OF THE GILBERT HISTORICAL MUSEUM
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
October 2026
Gilbert, AZ (August 27, 2026) – 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 
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.
LANDSCAPES OF HOPE—STEPHEN STROM
In Gallery 4 until October 10 is a celebrated exhibit which brings together photographs by Stephen Strom, from Utah’s Greater San Rafael Swell; a vast region of mesas, deserts, canyons, rivers, reefs, and high plateaus.  This exhibition is about more than landscape it is also about the possibility of finding common ground on sometimes bitterly contested land.  Made over more than two decades from both ground and air, these photographs convey the scale, complexity, and enduring beauty of landscapes shaped by erosion, water, wind and time.  Gallery 4 admission is included in the price of museum admission.  
VINTAGE SCHOOL BOOKS
On display from September 7-November 16 a throwback collection of vintage schoolbooks sure to stir up some fun memories.  Step back into the Gilbert classrooms of generations past and discover the books that shaped young minds. From well-worn readers and arithmetic texts to geography and grammar books, these volumes from HD SOUTH’s collection, offer a glimpse into how children learned, what they studied, and the values schools sought to instill. Together, these treasured books tell the story of education's enduring role in preparing students for the future while preserving the history of learning in our community.  This exhibit is included in the price of museum admission. 
13^th ANNUAL GVAL MEMBER SHOW
On exhibition in the Severson Center at HD SOUTH from October 6-November 3, multi-faceted artwork created by members of the acclaimed Gilbert Visual Art League.  This showcase of gorgeous pieces highlights an assortment of mediums such as acrylic, pencil, oil, mixed media, and much more.  There are over 100 pieces on display, some are for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting HD SOUTH.  Member show admission is included in the price of museum admission.  For more information visit www.gval.org.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA—EARLY BIRD TICKETS
Mark your calendars!  Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 5, is a heartwarming holiday tradition and annual fundraiser to benefit HD SOUTH.  Guests of all ages are treated to a delicious breakfast and a variety of fun-filled activities, including cookie decorating, face painting, ornament making, storytelling, and of course a visit and photo opportunity with Santa!  This is more than an event; it’s the embodiment of community and holiday joy.  This enchanting morning typically sells out, year after year. Early bird tickets will go on sale on October 19^th.  To purchase, please visit www.hdsouth.org. 
GLEN CANYON EXPOSED—DAWN KISH
On display in Gallery 4 at HD SOUTH from October 24-February 20, 2027 is an extraordinary photographic and film journey by artist Dawn Kish.  This traveling exhibit bridges past and present through one of America’s most iconic landscapes.  Explore Glen Canyon through two unique perspectives: stunning images from the 1950’s taken by Tad Nichols, and contemporary photographs by Dawn Kish.  Gallery guests will also have the opportunity to view ‘Tad’s Emerging World: Glen Canyon Exposed’ a film which premiered at the Banff International Film Festival in 2022.  Gallery 4 admission is included in the price of museum admission. 
 
October Programs
LINE DANCING
October 5, 2026 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm   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 is required. Cost: $12
ART WITH HEART
October 8, 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm   Welcome Debra McVay M. Ed., and Jennifer Sherman M. Ed., Sound Meditation Practitioner for an expressive, intuitive art class featuring live sound meditation music for adults. Using 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 is required. Attendance limited. Cost: FREE
ADVENTURES IN ART WITH GVAL
October 10, 2026 | 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 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 14, 2026 | 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. Attendance limited. Registration is required. Cost: FREE ~donations for EVAC are accepted at the observatory~
GILBERT CARES: A DEMENTIA FRIENDLY AWARENESS & RESOURCE EVENT
October 17, 2026 | 10:00am – 12:00pm   Join us for Gilbert's community-wide dementia education event! Whether you're a caregiver, family member, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about dementia and how our community can better support those affected, this event is for you.  Designed to educate, empower, and unite our community in supporting individuals living with dementia and their families, together, we can make Gilbert a more understanding and inclusive place for all.  Registration is required. Cost: FREE
PARANORMAL ON FILM
October 17, 2026 | Session 1-7:00pm – 8:30pm & Session 2-8:00pm – 9:30pm   Step into the shadows of history at HD SOUTH for an unforgettable evening of mystery and discovery. Join investigators from P.A.P.S for Paranormal On Film, a captivating program that explores the unexplained. Guests will enjoy an hour-long presentation featuring real investigations and documented paranormal activity captured on film, offering a rare glimpse into the unseen. Following the presentation attendees will take part in a live spirit box session inside the historic museum. Registration is required.  Space is limited. Cost: $25 per person.
FAMILY HISTORY WORKSHOP: WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
October 20, 2026 | 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 family history workshop.  Bring a laptop, or notepad and pen. Throughout our lives, we encounter opportunities. Sometimes we don’t pursue them because we don’t think that we have what it takes to do so, or we do pursue them, but the outcome is not what we expected or hoped for. Sometimes they change our lives in interesting and desirable ways. In this workshop we will discuss our experiences with a range of opportunities. Ages 14 and up. Registration is required. Cost: FREE
TAOIST TAI CHI
October 21, 2026 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm   Improve Balance ~ Maintain Health ~ Strengthen Focus – Welcome Janice Motoike with TTCSUSA as she shares this unique health and wellness program where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Taoist Tai Chi arts using some of the 108 movements in their unique set. Experience how a regular tai chi practice provides a positive impact on body, mind, and spirit. Whether you are looking to reduce stress, maintain health, or find deeper meaning, Taoist Tai Chi arts can help at every stage of life. Ages 14 and up. Attendance limited. Registration required. Cost: $5.
SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
October 22, 2026 | 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
STEM SATURDAY
October 24, 2026 | 10:00am – 12:00pm   In this 2 hour-class, participants will learn the basics of the popular Arduino microcontroller hardware and software.  They will first assemble a modular battery-powered electric dragster, which includes an Arduino board, motor controller, DC motor, and servo motor. Next, they will use a laptop with Arduino software to write a simple program that will control the dragster’s motion.  After uploading the sketch to their vehicle, they will fine-tune it so that the car navigates an obstacle course in the least possible time. Participants will be allowed to keep their completed dragster.  Ages 12-16 yrs. A minimum of 5 participants to have this program. Registration is required. Cost: FREE  Funding for this program is made possible by a generous grant from SRP—San Tan Generating Station.
COOKIE DECORATING FOR KID’S
October 24, 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm   Kids ages 5 and up are going to have a great time learning simple cookie decorating techniques with Vickie from Mae’s Cookie Jar. She will guide participants in decorating Halloween themed sugar cookie set. All supplies and a take-home box are provided. See the calendar for a picture of the cookie set. Registration is required. www.maescookiejar.com/hdsouth
SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF
October 27, 2026 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm   Join Stuart Preston, a certified Sound Practitioner, for a deeply empathetic Sound Meditation Session designed for those grappling with deep grief and 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.
COOKIE DECORATING
October 29, 2026 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm   Whether you come on your own or with friends, you will have a great time decorating delicious, Halloween themed sugar cookie set. Guided by Vickie from Mae’s Cookie Jar you will learn a variety of techniques including holding your icing bag, outlining, flooding, applying transfers and wet on wet. All supplies and a take-home box are provided. See this month’s calendar for the themed cookie set. Registration is required. www.maescookiejar.com/hdsouth
  
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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