Open on Saturday, July 4 and Tuesday, July 7 | 10am to 3pm
Map showing villages that made up Derry circa 1729, and tools once used in farming
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.
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.
Welcome!
Jazz at the Barnyard
LIVE Jazz concerts
Friday, July 3 | 6pm - 9pm
Celebrate America's 250th with an unforgettable evening of jazz!
Kick off your Independence Day celebration with a patriotic night at Jazz at the Barnyard on Friday, July 3!
Set in the historic barnyard behind the Hershey History Center, enjoy live music from Cadillac Jazz in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting. The evening will feature a spirited performance of the National Anthem by Susan Cort, a ceremonial Presentation of the Colors by the Hershey American Legion Post 386, and a special tribute celebrating America's 250th Anniversary.
The Barnyard opens at 6pm. Music is from 7-9pm.
Wear your favorite red, white, and blue, wave your American flags, and join us in honoring our nation's history. Best of all, stick around after the concert to enjoy the spectacular Hersheypark fireworks presented by HERSHEY'S!
More Jazz at the Barnyard dates: August 7, and September 4. 6pm - 9pm.
Semiquincentennial Celebration
America celebrates its 250th anniversary
Saturday, July 4 | 10am - 3pm
America will celebrate its 250th birthday with a unique nationwide tradition: at exactly 2:50 p.m., carillons and bells across the country will chime 13 times to honor the original colonies. Instead of the usual fireworks, everyone is encouraged to pause, listen, and reflect on our nation's storied history—or even ring a bell of their own. Here at the Hershey History Center, we will be dusting off and polishing a historic trolley bell to join the chorus, and we invite you to stop by and help us ring it with pride.
Big Boy No. 4014 - Hershey, PA Watch Party
Big Boy No. 4014 - Hershey, PA Watch Party
Tuesday, July 7 | 10am - 3pm (Museum hours)
On Tuesday, July 7th, the legendary Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014—the world’s largest operating steam locomotive—is rolling through Hershey, PA! Journeying across the country to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, this massive icon of engineering is bringing history straight to our tracks. The estimated arrival time of the train is 1:30pm. Please visit the link for important information on this iconic event.
Navajo Rugs: A Connection with Mount Gretna
Navajo Rugs: A Connection with Mt. Gretna
Wednesday, August 19 | 6pm - 7:30pm
The in-person program is presented by Don "Stone" Kensinger, the author of WEAVING PASSIONS, who shares the separate histories of Mount Gretna and the Diné people; the story of Theo Wittman's life; and personal accounts of rugs collected by residents of Mount Gretna. Find out more about the program.
Blood Drive
Blood Drive on August 21
Friday, August 21 | 10:30am - 3pm
Online Photo Archive
The Hershey History Center 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 in the database with more added regularly. If you are interested in purchasing a photo from the Archive, please email: photos@hersheyhistory.org
Hershey Hotel circa 1930
The windowless offices of the Chocolate Co. decorated for Christmas in December 1956.
Hershey Hotel circa 1930
Hover on a photo to show the Pause and Play buttons to stop the slideshow for a closer look.
Hershey History Center Connections
Ride
Book your e-bike adventure with Hershey e-Tours. First stop is to tour the Hershey History Center.
Shop
Hosted by Stay Apparel. Featuring a variety of talented artisans. Museum admission applies as usual.
Tour
Book a food and shopping tour visiting local restaurants & unique shops. Trolley goes from the museum.
Hershey E-Tours. Stay Apparel. YOKL Food Tours
OTHER MUSEUMS OF INTEREST
AACA Library & Research Center
Gettysburg National Military Park
Hummelstown Historical Society
Lebanon County Historical Society
Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
our mission:
interpret
PRESERVE
PROMOTE
the history of Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
Programs and services provided in part by funding through the PA Historical & Museum Commission
Renewal by Andersen is a Proud Partner of the HHC