For Immediate Release
Contact Denise Lopez
(480) 926-1577
 
HD SOUTH EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
July 2026
 
Gilbert, AZ ( May 29, 2026 ) – HD SOUTH, 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 . 
 
July Events 
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
June 1-July 20, 2026  HD SOUTH is once again a community experience partner in the Summer Reading Program through the Maricopa County Library District.  Be sure to look for the secret code displayed at HD SOUTH when visiting the museum to earn points towards prizes. The Summer Reading Program encourages adults and children to build a daily reading habit and to promote literacy for all ages! 
BLUE STAR MUSEUM
May 25-September 7, 2026  HD SOUTH is proud to be a registered Blue Star Museum participant again this year. Blue Star Museum is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families each summer.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: ADVERTISING MASCOT MEMORABILIA
June 22-August 31, 2026  Since the dawn of modern advertising, bizarre characters have been created and used to promote food. From green giants to doughboys to peanut men, these mascots are as prolific as any pantheon of myth, and they've been immortalized in a variety of collectibles over the years. On display until August 31^st, this collection from Russ Kazmierczak, Jr. represents a very small portion of food mascot merchandise, and it represents the timelessness of their impact on the world's diet.  Exhibit is included with paid museum admission.
 
July Programs
THE AMERICAN BUFFALO
July 11, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm   Welcome Susan Ricci, the Executive Director of the Mesa Historical Museum as she presents “The Restoration of the American Buffalo.” This presentation explores the near extermination of the American buffalo and the remarkable efforts that brought the species back from the brink. It also highlights the deep, interdependent relationship between buffalo and Native American tribes, whose cultures, economies, and traditions were inseparable from the animal’s survival. There will be artifacts from the camps to see. Ages 12 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
KARATE FOR ALL AGES
July 13th, 20th, and 27th, 2026 | 6:30pm to 7:30pm   Join HD SOUTH as we welcome certified black belt instructors from East Valley Martial Arts who will teach traditional karate to children and adults. Students experience the fun of martial arts while improving fitness and working on goals. In these mixed-age classes, adults and children will learn together. Wear comfortable work-out type clothing and closed-toe shoes. Ages 7 and up. Registration is required. https://evma.net. For questions: evmakarate@gmail.com or 480-330-8886.
SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
July 14, 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
TAOIST TAI CHI
July 15, 2026 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm   Welcome instructor Janice Motoike 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.  Attendees will 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.
PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT MAKE AND PLAY
July 18, 2026 | 10:00am – 11:30am   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 instruments from items found around the home. The workshop will end with a brief concert performance alongside Duane and Maureen. All supplies are provided. Ages 6 & up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH: USING CEMETERY RECORDS
July 21, 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.  Family historians can access a wide range of sources for conducting research, including cemetery records. In this workshop, we will talk about how to find the records and how to make good use of them. Even though these records contain limited information, they can lead us to other sources that can unlock the mysteries of our ancestors’ lives. Please bring paper and pen or a laptop. Ages14 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
WHAT LIES HIDDEN BENEATH OUR FEET
July 23, 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm   Join HD SOUTH as we welcome Steve Skotnicki, a Ph.D. in geology at ASU, for this informative presentation. The 600 square miles of the “East Valley” is home to 1.4 million people. Steve will briefly discuss the general geology of the mountain ranges surrounding this urban center and share what we know is hidden beneath our feet. Registration is required. Ages 14 and up. Cost: FREE
ART OF IMAGINATION
July 25, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm   Welcome 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 while having fun and expressing themselves.  Parents are invited to attend this intuitive art class and enjoy a special connection through art. Ages 9—13. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. Attendance limited. Cost: FREE
SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF
July 28, 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.
AUTHOR’S VISIT AND BOOK READING
July 30, 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm   Join HD SOUTH as we welcome author Gordon L Sheaffer Jr for an author’s visit and book reading of his new book “The Brothers’ Duty.” This is an historical novel of unflinching realism and emotional depth set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. “In the sweltering heat of a Pennsylvania summer in 1861, the Truitt brothers stood side by side, staring down the uncertain road to war. What began as a patriotic fever in the summer heat would burn into something far more complicated-something that would test the bonds of blood, faith, and loyalty.” Ages 16 and up.  Registration required. 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