Home of the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society
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Witness our unique heritage come to life at the Hershey History Center. Explore exhibits chronicling the community built on chocolate, the military heroes that became world renowned, and the legendary hockey franchise that calls our town home.
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Step back in time as you learn how our community's past has shaped our lives today. Children can discover interactive displays while guests experience a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and archives defining our local narrative. ​
We invite you to be our guest - visit, explore, and discover how the Hershey History Center (HHC) is making History Happen Here.
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Welcome!
ANNUAL PRESERVATION EVENTS
RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE DYNAMIC HISTORY AND PRESERVATION OF OUR COMMUNITY'S HERITAGE.
La Festa Italiana – Quintessential Flavors of Sicily
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This year’s Annual Preservation Events feature the annual tour, the annual gala with the introduction of an annual heritage event - La Festa Italiana, and a community event - The Big Night at the Barn. We’re celebrating what we do best in our own backyard: celebrating the community, and the preservation of our history. PURCHASE GALA TICKETS | Sponsorship opportunities.
THE LABOR MOVEMENT IN HERSHEY: THE 1937 STRIKE AND THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY INFLUENCE
WW2 TOUR: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MAJOR DICK WINTERS
Depart Thursday, September 5, 2024 and return on Friday, September 20, 2024. Travel by air, train and coach. Your package includes 14 nights accommodations:
Since 2009, The Hershey History Center has hosted nearly 750 people from 25 states on this commemorative tour, honoring the Men of Easy Company, 101st Airborne, led by longtime Hershey resident Major Richard "Dick" Winters. Join this extraordinary journey in 2024, the 80th anniversary of the Allies' liberation route across Western Europe!"
EVENTS
We present events throughout the year, from our Preservation Tour, Annual Preservation Gala; this year celebrating La Festa Italiana, to international tours, holiday trains, Trains at the Track, special presentations, and Hershey Artfest, our annual celebration of artisans, fine art, and music. Click on the link below!
PERMANENT EXHIBITS
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YOUR VISIT
EXPLORE the Hershey History Center's Library. Find a variety of resources for research on a range of topics related to Derry Township and Hershey. Independent research in the Library can be conducted by scheduling an appointment to visit.
Please call 717-520-0748 or contact us by email at research@hersheyhistory.org ahead of your visit to maximize your time.
FOLLOW the museum map and virtual audio tour to guide you through the permanent exhibits, such as the Major Dick Winters collection, and B'ars to Bears. Visit our two new exhibits in 2023, A Town Called Hershey, and From House Call to Phone Call.
REQUEST guided tours for groups by contacting us at 717-520-0748 or by email to info@hersheyhistory.org. Looking for somewhere to hold an event? Contact us about the facility rental at the Barnyard, perfect for weddings, graduation parties, and family gatherings.
ONLINE COLLECTIONS DATABASE
Photographs provide a window into the past. The Hershey History Center was established in 1991 with a mission to preserve and promote the history and heritage of our diverse community. Our Society has a collection of approximately 30,000 historic photos. We are continuously publishing updates to the collection for online searching, viewing and purchasing; currently, there are close to 1000 photos to view. New records are continuously added to the database so check back often.
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If you are interested in purchasing a photo from the Archive, please email: photos@hersheyhistory.org
Hover on a photo to show the Pause and Play buttons to stop the slideshow for a closer look.
Our Gift Shop
Looking for a unique Hershey souvenir, or a vintage-inspired gift?
Stop in to the Hershey History Center to shop for gifts for friends and family, or as a momento of your visit. Find lots of one-of-a-kind items and mission-based goods, as well as locally made products. We are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am to 3pm.
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Members of the Hershey History Center receive 10% discount off purchases.
our mission:
interpret
PRESERVE
PROMOTE
the history of Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
OTHER MUSEUMS OF INTEREST
Hummelstown Historical Society
Pennsylvania Historical Museum
Army Center of Military History
US Army Military History Institute
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Programs and services provided in part by funding through the PA Historical & Museum Commission