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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!
12TH ANNUAL PRESERVATION TOUR: BACK TO SCHOOL
Saturday, November 2 | 11am and at 1pm
The M.S. Hershey Consolidated School was built in 1914, an early example of a progressive education concept at the turn of the 20th century. Designed by Mr. Hershey’s architect, C. Emlen Urban, the building remains an architectural vestige of interest in, and investment made to benefit Hershey’s youngest citizens.
110 years later, we are going back to school for one history day. This year’s Tour revisits a series of local school sites, with a special guest appearance by C. Emlen Urban!
​​​​Tickets to take the Back to School Tour are available now for purchase. The Tour lasts 1.5 hours. Members pay $20, and nonmembers, $25. (Reduced prices!) The Tour includes the trolley and local narrative. Please arrive at the Hershey History Center by 10:45am and 12:45pm.
Contact information: events@hersheyhistory.org or call 717.520.0748.​​​
DICK WINTERS: "IN HIS OWN WORDS"
Thursday, November 7 | 6:30pm
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The Hershey History Center will screen a short documentary film about the life and exploits of Major Dick Winters, called "In His Own Words". This film will be followed by a discussion panel. Hosted by the Central PA WWII Roundtable, at Grace United Methodist Church, 433 East Main Street, Hummelstown, PA. 17036.
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HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
Friday, November 29 through the end of 2024.
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All aboard for the 2024 Holiday Train Show, opens on Friday, November 29 through Monday, December 30, 2024. (Extended hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 10am to 4pm.) This is an exciting display that's fun for the whole family. Volunteers set up, bring track, engines, junctions, scenery, rolling stock, and more. Access to the Holiday Train Show, and the Chocolate Town Special, is included with museum entrance.
LA FESTA ITALIANA: FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES
Saturday, December 7 | 5pm to 9pm
Celebrating the families, businesses, and places that represent the rich history of Hershey’s Italian community, La Festa Italiana is HHC’s annual heritage festival. Each year focuses on a specific theme which reflects a narrative of food, music, and culture. This year’s theme will celebrate a culinary holiday tradition, Feast of the Seven Fishes.
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.
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
Gettysburg National Military Park
Hummelstown Historical Society
Lebanon County Historical Society
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