Home of the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society
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!
HERSHEY ARTFEST
Saturday, May 13, 2023
9am to 4pm
This year’s event at the Cocoa Beanery, once again, includes the Englewood Barn venue, featuring additional food and music, and expanded selection of artists. Hosted by the Hershey History Center and celebrating Mother's Day weekend, this is a lovely start to the spring art festival season.
Bring mom, bring the kids, bring the neighbors! The Hershey Artfest has something for you and everyone! Whether you're from Hershey, the Capital Region, or just visiting.... join us for this wonderful day of family, friends, music, community, and art.
This fine art and artisan show will host as many as 150 juried and non-juried exhibitors, and will include food vendors and multiple entertainment events.
For sponsorship opportunities, please download the prospectus.
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 info@hersheyhistory.org ahead of your visit to maximize your time.
FOLLOW the museum map and virtual audio tour (coming soon) 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.
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.
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
Programs and services provided in part by funding through the PA Historical & Museum Commission