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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!
HIDDEN HISTORY
Friday, August 16. 6:00pm to 7:00pm.
Historian, author, and Hershey native, Professor Robert P. Watson Ph.D. will discuss the process of historiography, fun twists and turns in uncovering history, and what we think we know and what we don't know about the past.
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Please let us know how many will attend by sending an RSVP to: info@hersheyhistory.org and put "Hidden History" in the subject line. Thank you.
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Books will be on sale at the program. HHC members receive a 10% discount.
JAZZ AT THE BARNYARD
First Friday of the month. June to September. 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
Bring your lawn chairs and BYOB for LIVE jazz under the stars with an eclectic mix of jazz musicians and vocalists in the Hershey History Center's Barnyard. Free and open to everyone.
Four unique performances presenting a variety of jazz styles on the first Friday of the month from June to September. 7:00pm - 10:00pm. Sponsor- "Decade of Champions"
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Friday, August 2 - The Wave Quartet - Sponsored by "Decade of Champions"
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Friday, September 6 - Little Brother Band
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' Den, and B'ars to Bears, and visit our most recently added exhibits, 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 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
Chocolate Avenue from the roof of the Hershey Inn. Left to right, Hershey Bank, Men's Club, Fire House, Cafe and Chocolate Factory.
Early view of the "Hershey Park Cafe" in the 1930s.
Chocolate Avenue from the roof of the Hershey Inn. Left to right, Hershey Bank, Men's Club, Fire House, Cafe and Chocolate Factory.
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.
OTHER MUSEUMS OF INTEREST
Hummelstown Historical Society
Pennsylvania Historical Museum
Gettysburg National Military Park
Lebanon County Historical Society
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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