Gilbert Historical Society/HD SOUTH

The mission of the Gilbert Historical Society, dba HD SOUTH, Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum, is to be the vibrant cornerstone of an intergenerational community that celebrates the past, inspires unity of all people, and cultivates life-enriching collaboration. Our vision is: We envision communities where all generations know, trust, and care for one another.

HD SOUTH is the Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum. Originally opened as Gilbert Elementary School in 1913, HD SOUTH is the oldest building still standing in Gilbert and is the only one on the National Register of Historic Places. Opened in 1982, Gilbert Museum is a repository of artifacts chronicling the town's rich history, featuring newly remodeled exhibits and interactive displays. The museum expanded its mission to include not just history but all arts and culture and rebranded in 2017. It was renamed HD SOUTH since it sits as the cornerstone at the southern gateway into the increasingly popular Heritage District. HD SOUTH is the arts and culture hub in this town of 293,000 residents and one of the fastest growing communities in the country.

HD SOUTH's community programming includes something for everyone and every age. Art workshops, history talks, science programs, music, storytelling, yoga and much more. Most of these classes are conducted using the Communities For All Ages programming model which is an intergenerational approach designed for all ages to participate together.