For Immediate Release
Contact Denise Lopez
(480) 926-1577
 
HD SOUTH-HOME OF THE GILBERT HISTORICAL MUSEUM
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
June 2026
 
Gilbert, AZ ( April 30, 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 . 
 
June Events 
FFA IN GILBERT—CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND AGRICULTURAL EXCELLENCE
Future Farmers of American has played a vital role in shaping generations of students through agricultural education, leadership development, and community involvement. Rooted in Gilbert’s agricultural heritage, the program has connected students to hands-on learning experiences—from livestock care and crop production to public speaking and leadership competitions.  Visit HD SOUTH to see memorabilia such as scrapbooks, documents and a wide assortment of interesting items from Gilbert FFA members through the years on display until June 15^th.  Exhibit admission is included in the price of museum admission.
 
June Programs
LINE DANCING
June 1, 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 required. Cost: $12 (to be paid using cash or Venmo at the beginning of class).
ADVENTURES IN ART WITH GVAL
June 6, 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 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.
 TRAVEL THE WORLD- TWO PART PRESENTATION
June 2^nd and June 9th, 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm   Welcome world traveler extraordinaire Tim Steele and his wife Carol, as they share their experiences with traveling the world economically. This travel presentation will focus on Cuenca, Ecuador as a wonderful location to beat the heat and enjoy a different culture. They will share their decision-making paradigm for choosing housing, travel plans and means, and possible activities. Traveling can be fun, adventurous, and an unforgettable experience, especially if you are well prepared. In this 2-part program, Tim and Carol will teach you how to make your trip to Ecuador or any other travel destination delightful while keeping costs low. Pictures and artifacts are included. Ages 14 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
ART WITH HEART AND SOUND MEDITATION
June 11, 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm   Join 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 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. Attendance limited. Cost: FREE
FAMILY HISTORY: RESEARCH WIKI IN FAMILY SEARCH
June 16, 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. Perhaps the most powerful tool in Family Search is the Research Wiki. It is useful for searching for ancestors who lived in America, but it is especially helpful for records in other countries. If you know where an ancestor lived before coming to America, feel free to bring that information to the session.
Please bring paper and pen or a laptop. Ages14 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
MAKE MUSIC DAY
June 20, 2026 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm   In honor of the annual nationwide event, HD SOUTH invites you to participate in Making Music at The Museum.  Music lovers are invited to perform individually or in a group to celebrate a national music collaboration. Whether you are a seasoned performer or a budding artist, this is a great opportunity to share your talent. Ages 12 and up. Registration is required; performer spots are limited. Musicians will need to bring their own equipment. Cost: FREE
SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF                                                                                                                          June 23, 2026 | 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. Registration is required. Ages 16 & up. Cost: $5 per person.  Learn more about Stuart and this unique practice at www.LaoStu.com.
FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH: USING STATE AND FEDERAL CENSUS RECORDS
June 25, 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 workshop.The United States federal government has conducted census enumerations every ten years since 1790. Most states also did their own census enumerations in other years starting in the 1800s. Learn where to find those records and how to use them as you search for ancestors. Please bring paper and pen or a laptop. Ages14 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
June 30, 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
 
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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