For Immediate Release
Contact Denise Lopez
(480) 926-1577
 
HD SOUTH-HOME OF THE GILBERT HISTORICAL MUSEUM
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
September 2026
 
Gilbert, AZ (July 25, 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 . 
 
September Events 
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.
BLUE STAR MUSEUM                                                                                                  
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.
CORNHOLE FUNDRAISING TOURNAMENT
Join us September 25th for a fun and impactful evening where community, competition, and nonprofit support come together.  This event invites individuals and teams to participate in a friendly cornhole tournament while supporting HD SOUTH.  It will be a great way to connect with others, enjoy some light competition, and help bring visibility to an incredible organization doing meaningful work in our community.  When registering, please indicate HD SOUTH as the non-profit you’re playing for. 
 
September Programs
HISTORY OF RAILROADS
September 1, 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm   Ride the rails with historian David Doiron, as he shares his knowledge of Arizona’s railway system using historical photographs, artifacts, and maps. Participants will be able to handle and examine relics of railroading including a piece of rail from the Gold Spike ceremony at Promontory. Ages 14 and up. Registration is required. Cost: FREE
ALTERED BOOKS SNIP & SIP
September 10, 2026 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm   Join HD SOUTH and volunteer Laura Hardon for a fun hands-on art workshop to create an Altered Book.  In this creative project, participants will transform a hardcover book into a one-of-a-kind piece using everyday materials inspired by your own ideas. Bring a friend and your favorite beverage for an evening of fun creating an Altered Book.  Participants will need to bring a hard-cover book (any size) to transform into their Altered Book, and all other supplies will be provided.  Ages 14 & up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
ADVENTURES IN ART WITH GVAL
September 12, 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.
CHILDREN’S AUTHOR VISIT AND BOOK READING
September 12, 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm   HD SOUTH welcomes five-time award-winning author M.S.V Walker as she reads from her new novel Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions. This recently released sci-fi-fantasy novel, promotes character development for Arizona tweens. The story takes place in the Superstition Mountains where lightning storms are abundant. Included in the program will be an innovative demonstration using a Tesla coil. An IBEW Union electrician will oversee the electrical demonstrations. If you already have the book, bring it for a personalized signing.  Ages 10& up.  Registration required. Cost: FREE
LUNCH HOUR BOOK CLUB
September 14 & 28, 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 Lunch Hour Book Club meets twice a month, and the book selection will be discussed over the course of the two sessions. This month’s book is Tata by Valerie Perrin.  “When Agnes hears from the local police her Aunt Colette has died, she can’t believe her ears.  Her father’s sister, her Tata, died three years ago but when Agnes is called to identify the body: there is no doubt, it’s Aunt Colette. So begins an investigation back in time, as Agnes pieces together the multitude of stories that lie behind her aunt's second death.”  Advance registration is required.   
KARATE FOR ALL AGES
September 14, 21, 28, 2026 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm   Join HD SOUTH as we welcome certified black belt instructors from the 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. Participants should wear comfortable work-out type clothing and closed-toe shoes. Ages 7 and up. To register, email evmakarate@gmail.com or call 480-330-8886. 
LINE DANCING
September 14, 2026 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm  Come join the fun with upbeat music and line-dancing steps that will boost your energy levels and enliven the spirit. Local instructor, Jennifer Sherman, has over 20 years of experience in dance education and has expanded her work to include movement-based teaching. Attendance limited. Registration required. Cost: $12
FAMILY HISTORY
September 15, 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. Regardless of what our job titles might be, we are all teachers every day of our lives. Sometimes we teach with our words, sometimes with our actions, and sometimes with both. Sometimes we teach by being a positive model that others might emulate; sometimes we teach by being a negative model, which may cause others to think. In this workshop, we will reflect on our experiences with teaching – both as teachers and as learners. Bring a laptop, or notepad and pen. Ages 14 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
TAOIST TAI CHI
September 16, 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.
ART WITH HEART
September 19, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm   Welcome Debra McVay M. Ed., for an expressive, intuitive art class 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 required. Attendance limited. Cost: FREE
SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF
September 22, 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
PARTY IN THE STARS
September 23, 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~
SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
September 24, 2026 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm    Kids ages 7 & up, 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