For Immediate Release
Contact Denise Lopez
(480) 926-1577
HD SOUTH-HOME OF THE GILBERT HISTORICAL MUSEUM
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
May 2026
 
Gilbert, AZ ( April 2, 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 . 
May Events
21^st ANNUAL ART OF QUILTING QUILT SHOW
HD SOUTH, Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum, invites you to the 21^st Annual “Art of Quilting” Show with a special theme of “Red, White, and Blue” in honor of America’s 250^th Anniversary.  The “Art of Quilting” show will be on display through May 25, 2026.  Show admission is included in the price of museum admission. 
AMERICAN QUILT STUDY GROUP TRAVELING EXHIBIT
HD SOUTH is honored to have on display, until May 19^th, a traveling exhibit from the American Quilt Study Group.  These special pieces are from the remarkable collection “Makers and Designers: 1945-1979”.  This curated collection highlights a dynamic and influential period in quilting history—one that ushered quilt making into the modern era.  Visitors will discover pieces inspired by iconic figures such as Jean Ray Laury, Jinny Beyer, and other notable innovators whose artistry shaped the evolution of contemporary quilting.  Exhibit admission is included in the price of museum admission. 
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. 
May Programs
COOKIE DECORATING WITH MAE’S COOKIE JAR
May 2, 2026 |  1:00pm – 3:00pm   Join us for “May the Fourth be with You” Star Wars themed cookie decorating class. Come Han-solo or bring a Wookie--either way you’ll have a great time! Guided by the Jedi wisdom of 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, and more! All supplies & a take-home box are provided. Ages 16 and up. Registration is required. www.maescookiejar.com/hdsouth
LUNCH HOUR BOOK CLUB
May 4 & 18, 2026 | 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. This month’s selection is “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell.  In this historical fiction novel, a young Latin tutor falls in love with an extraordinary young woman who is known throughout the countryside as an herbalist and healer.  Once they marry and settle in Stratford-upon-Avon she becomes a force in the life of her young husband, whose career on the London stage is just taking off when their beloved young son succumbs to sudden fever.  This fictional account of William Shakespeare and Agnes Hathaway’s son Hamnet who died at the age of eleven in 1596 focuses on his parents’ grief and the idea life always goes on.  Advanced registration is required and limited to the first 12 registrants. To register and purchase the book visit Events 4146920260504 | Literally A Bookshop
LINE DANCING
May 4, 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).
COOKIE DECORATING WITH MAE’S COOKIE JAR
May 5, 2026 |  6:00pm – 8:00pm   Attendees will decorate an adorable cookie set with a Tea Time & Treats theme.  Come solo or bring a friend-either way you’ll have a great time! Guided by the talented Vickie from Mae’s Cookie Jar, participants will learn wet on wet roses and other simple florals in addition to how to hold the icing bags, outlining, flooding, and more!  All supplies and a take-home box are provided. Ages 16 and up. See calendar for this month’s themed cookie set. Registration is required. www.maescookiejar.com/hdsouth
SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
May 12, 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
FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH: USING ANCESTRY.COM
May 14, 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. Learn general application skills using Ancestry.com and its’ unique database for researching ancestors. Please bring paper and pen or a laptop. Ages 14 and up. Registration required.
ART OF IMAGINATION
May 16, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm   Join HD SOUTH and 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 through art. Ages 9—13. Registration required. Cost: FREE
FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH: USING FAMILY SEARCH
May 19, 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. Learn general application skills using Family Search for researching your ancestors to build your family tree. Learn about the tools Family Search provides to keep research organized. Please bring paper and pen or a laptop. Ages14 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
TAOIST TAI CHI
May 20, 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.
SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF                                                                                                                                May 26, 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.
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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