HD SOUTH-Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum November Events
Contact Denise Lopez
(480) 926-1577
HD SOUTH-HOME OF THE GILBERT HISTORICAL MUSEUM
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
November 2026
November Events
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA—TICKETS
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. Tickets are on sale until November 25th.
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.
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.
VINTAGE CAMERAS
On display from November 23-February 8, 2027 a vintage camera exhibit showcasing the evolution of photography, reminding us how memories were preserved through generations. Before digital photography, cameras captured everyday moments on film—family gatherings, celebrations, community events, and milestones. These vintage cameras showcase the evolution of photography. Exhibit admission is included in the price of museum admission.
November Programs
LUNCH HOUR BOOK CLUB
November 2nd & 16th, 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 will meet twice a month, and the book selection will be discussed over the course of the two sessions. This month’s selection is “The Three Graces of Pearl Street”. In this wise and warm debut novel, an Italian American grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter all named after the Roman myth of the Three Graces, find their lives—and their secrets—colliding when, after years apart, the come to live under the same roof. Advance registration is required and is limited to the first 12 registrants. https://literallybookshop.com/events/5900320260914
LINE DANCING
November 2, 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
ALTERED BOOKS SNIP & SIP
November 3, 2026 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm Join HD SOUTH and volunteer Laura Hardon for a fun hands-on art workshop creating altered books. In this creative project, you will transform everyday materials into one-of-a-kind art books inspired by your own ideas—whether that’s a theme, a poem, artwork, or anything your imagination inspires. So, bring a friend and your favorite beverage for an evening of creating a Holiday Themed altered book using Bags & Tags. No experience is necessary, just come and enjoy. Some crafting supplies provided. Ages 14 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
AUTHOR’S VISIT AND BOOK READING
November 7, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm HD SOUTH welcomes local author Nahid Sewell for a discussion and reading of her novel “The Ruby Tear Catcher,” a heart-warming story of an Iranian woman whose life is uprooted by the Islamic Revolution. Nahid vividly portrays the challenges of growing up in a society of clashing cultures and the western lifestyle of the affluent upper class at odds with traditional, conservative customs. She describes the sights, sounds, and warmth of Persian culture in exquisite detail, along with a raw and emotional depiction of women’s oppression in her native Iran. Registration required. Cost: FREE
PERCUSSION MAKE AND PLAY
November 7, 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm Welcome back 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. Supplies provided. All ages welcomed. Registration required. Cost: FREE
FAMILY HISTORY WORKSHOP: LIFE AND LEMONS
November 10, 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. When life gives you lemons (or curveballs) how did you handle them? We will discuss the ways we encountered our lemons and curveballs and write about our experiences. Bring a laptop, or notepad and pen. Ages 14 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE
ART WITH HEART & SOUND MEDITATION
November 11, 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 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
PARTY IN THE STARS
November 11, 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
November 12, 2026 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm Kids ages 7 & up, teens, and adults are invited to join certified instructors from East Valley Martial Arts to learn 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 must have a parent or guardian present. Parents/guardians are welcome to join the class or sit quietly and observe from the sidelines. Safety is always a priority. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Registration required. Cost: FREE
KID’S CROSS-STITCHING
November 14, 2026 | 10:00am – 12:00pm Kids, come stitch along with other participants to create a holiday themed cross-stitched wall hanging taught to you by Louise Kircher! The stamped cross-stitched design is done on unbleached muslin. Each participant will take home their completed project. All supplies are provided. Recommended for ages 8 to 14 years. Class size limited. Registration is required. Cost: FREE
SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF
November 17, 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.
STEM SATURDAY
November 21, 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm Have fun with Gilbert Classical Adacemy AP teacher Karen Maas, and her STEM students as they share a STEM learning adventure with participants. GCA students will introduce a variety of activities including 3D printing with both 3D pens and printers, CAD applications using Tinkercad, Makey Makey apps with fruit, and more! Registration is required. Registration will close at 12pm on Friday. Cost: FREE
COOKIE DECORATING
November 24, 2026 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm Whether you come on your own or with friends, you will have a great time decorating a delicious, holiday 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
HD SOUTH - Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum
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Elizabeth Freer Management Assistant/Facility Rental
- October 01, 2026
- (480) 926-1577
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