HOLIDAY HOURS BEGIN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 | MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10 AM TO 4PM.
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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!
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.
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.
GREGORY SCOTT: ARCHITECT & AUTHOR
Thursday, January 23 | 6:00pm
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Lancaster architect and author, Gregory J. Scott. FAIA, presents his new book, "Urban Alphabet", an illustrated dictionary detailing the work of architectural legend C. Emlen Urban. Discover how each letter of the alphabet connects to an architectural detail or style featured in Urban’s buildings. "Urban Alphabet", published by Egg & Dart, (released on November 7) will be available for purchase at the program.
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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' 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
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