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HOLIDAY HOURS BEGIN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 | MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10 AM TO 4PM. ​ ​ ​ 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! LA 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. MORE INFORMATION hHOLIDAY HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW Friday, November 29 through the end of 2024. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. ​ 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 . MORE INFORMATION G GREGORY SCOTT: ARCHITECT & AUTHOR Thursday, January 23 | 6:00pm ​ 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. ​ MORE INFORMATION 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 Visit the Photo Archive Quarry worker's shack Waltonville, circa 1978 Workers at the Reese's Candy Company, 1930 Hershey Laundry Staff. 1927-1928. Quarry worker's shack Waltonville, circa 1978 1/38 Hover on a photo to show the Pause and Play buttons to stop the slideshow for a closer look. EVENTS We present events throughout the year, from our Preservation Tour, Annual Preservation Gala, and La Festa Italiana, to international tours, Trains at the Track, special presentations, and Hershey Artfest , our annual celebration of artisans, fine art, and music. Click on the link below! Events Page EXHIBITS Our exhibits offer insight and perspective into our community’s history, before chocolate and beyond. Interpretive displays tell the stories and bring to life the voices of those who shaped, built, and maintain our legacies and future. Collections & Exhibits DONATE Your contributions help sustain our mission to preserve and promote the rich history of Derry Township and Hershey, PA. Consider joining as a member or giving a gift to help support our collections and programs, ensuring the future of our history! Make a Donation 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. OTHER MUSEUMS OF INTEREST Gettysburg National Military Park Hershey Community Archives Hershey Story Hummelstown Historical Society Lancaster History Lebanon County Historical Society National Civil War Museum Pennsylvania Historical Museum State Museum of Pennsylvania 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 CONTACT

Acerca de WW2 TOUR In the Footsteps of Major Dick Winters About the Tour Since 2009, The Hershey History Center has hosted nearly 750 people from 25 states on this commemorative tour, honoring the Men of Easy Company, 101st Airborne, led by longtime Hershey resident Major Richard "Dick" Winters. Join this extraordinary journey in 2024, the 80th anniversary of the Allies' liberation route across Western Europe!" ​ Check back for news on the 2026 tour Depart Thursday, September 5, 2024 and return on Friday, September 20, 2024. Travel by air, train and coach. Your package includes 14 nights accommodations: ​ 2 nights Letchworth, United Kingdom 1 night Dieppe, France 3 nights Colleville sur Mer, Franc e 3 nights Eindhoven, Netherlands 2 nights Bastogne, Belgium 1 night Dachau, Germany 2 nights Salzburg, Austria Special Features Major Dick Winters. Schoonderlogt, Holland, October 1944, during the Battle of Arnhem. ​ Bletchley Park Duxford Air Show Gold Pass Imperial War Museums Churchill War Museum Eurostar London - Calais (change of trains en route ) D-Day Museum Utah Beach Wings of Liberation Museum including 3 hour battlefield tour in vintage US WW2 military vehicles Bastogne War Museum Dachau Concentration Camp Eagles Nest and Documentation Center Register Now! REGISTER FOR THE TOUR Round Trip Airfare cost $1190 inclusive of taxes; subject to change until final payment secured. Sept 5...Depart JFK 6:50 PM. British Air Flight #174 Sept 6...Arrive LHR (Heathrow) 6:50 AM Sept 20...Depart MUC (Munich) 4:25 PM British Air Flight # 953 Arrive LHR (Heathrow) 5:25 PM Depart LHR (Heathrow) 7:05 PM British Air Flight #183 Arrive JFK 9:50 PM Online registration available through the link or by calling Gate1 at 1-215-572-7676. ​ If calling, please reference group #2405385. Travel Protection must be purchased within 21 days of deposit in order to cover pre-existing conditions. Cancel For Any Reason Coverage is not available from Gate1 for this custom itinerary. If CFAR coverage is preferred, please purchase independently through Travel Insured, Travel Guard or other travel insurance company. Please contact Laura Passuello gttplanner@gmail.com for any questions. Passport expiration date must be April 1, 2025 or later! Air fare will be announced in late Fall 2023 with departure from Newark, Philadelphia or Washington D.C. (Dulles) TESTIMONIALS "This was the trip of a lifetime!" April, 2011 — Richard Burton, Harrisburg "Every time I go, I learn something new. I keep going because every detail is taken into consideration... being at the American Cemetery as the US flag is lowered while taps is played, a chance to walk on Omaha Beach at dawn, riding in WWII vehicles through the battlefields in Holland. I'm already registered for the 2024 tour, my fourth!" — Randy Ent, Erie, PA - 2014, 2015, 2018 "My husband, Rich, and I joined the 2019 tour - "WWII Expedition: In The Footsteps of Major Dick Winters". My goal was to follow my dad's WWII journey through Europe. My dad, Tony Zanzinger, served in the 101st Airborne as part of the 501st PIR which fought alongside the 506th from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest. I was not prepared for the emotional connection I felt at each of our stops. We were greeted with thanks and admiration for our soldiers everywhere we went - from the makeshift medic station at the church in Angoville-au-Plain, France where my dad was treated for injuries; to Eerde, Holland where we attended the liberation ceremony honoring my dad's unit; to Bastogne where our Belgian soldier guide presented me with an honorary plaque in thanks for my dad's service; and finally to Hilter's Eagle's Nest where I could see the mountain where my dad was taught how to ski. This truly was a trip that honored my dad and all the soldiers of the 101st." — Judi and Rich Bourque, Etters, September 2019 Tour Please click an image for the caption.

THE BEHNEY QUILT Gordon Fong recently visited HHC from North Carolina, to donate a quilt that had belonged to his grandfather. The hand-cut, handstitched, wool quilt was crafted in 1899 by Gordon’s great-great grandmother, who lived in Derry Church. This is signified on the quilt. ​ Gordon’s grandfather, Charles “Clyde” Behney, was born in Derry Church, in 1885. A life well lived is documented by Gordon, and he tells of his grandfather’s experiences running track against Jim Thorpe and his work on the top-secret Manhattan District project. ​ The quilt, a utilitarian artifact, is a notable piece of pre-Hershey history. Below, read more about Gordon’s remembrances of his grandfather and the experiences of Charles Behney’s life. ​ The varied-color hand stitching on the quilt reads "Made by Grandma Wenger 1899 for Chas Behney." ​ Manhattan District Certificate dated Aug 6, 1945 A Few of Clyde’s many Trophies for his Roses A 1st Prize Trophy Dickinson College Interscholastic Relay Races (1903) C harles “Clyde” Behney I have written this article about my grandfather after donating his 1899 quilt to the Hersey History Center. The memory of my grandfather has given me great joy and pride! My grandfather, on my mother’s side, Charles “Clyde” Behney, was born in Derry Church, PA in 1885. He graduated from the Dickinson Collegiate Preparatory College, Carlisle, PA in 1904 and from t he Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA in 1908 with a Degree of Mechanical Engineer. He was married to Evelyn Paul Behney for 63 years. Clyde worked for a company that installed flow meters. One of his projects in the 1920’s was for the water system of Syracuse, NY. The meters were at Skeneatles Lake and I saw those same meters in 1965! In 1935, Clyde earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He then moved to Delaware and worked for DuPont as a civil engineer and was involved in the top-secret Manhattan District project, which had to do with the development of the atomic bomb. When Clyde retired from DuPont he became interested in growing roses and had over 300 roses on his property. He was a member of the American Rose Society and a respected, accredited judge. Clyde died in 1984 at the age of 99. He had a full and productive life. I have many recollections of my grandfather who I called Pa. As a young boy, my brother and I would spend a week with our grandparents, Ma and Pa, in Delaware (ca. 1948-1955). Pa had made a wood shop in his basement and on one visit we were going to make something in the shop. I was around 8 and excited to use a hammer and saw. But, first Pa and I discussed what I would make. With much discussion and thought, we decided I would make a small end table. Now I could hammer and saw. But, Pa said I needed blueprints for my project. He gave me graph paper and each square was equal to an inch. No hammer and saw. But, by the end of our stay, I had made my table which I still have. I also have the lesson that Pa taught me: be thoughtful, methodical and consistent. Ma liked roses, so Pa bought a rose bush. Then another and another until he had over 300 roses in his yard. He entered his roses in many rose shows in the eastern United States and generally was the big winner. Of course he was the big winner. He had three refrigerators in his basement with a chart of each bush as to when to cut the rose and how long it could stay in the refrigerator before a rose show. I remember during our summer stays of driving with Pa and Ma to Derry Church (aka Hershey) to buy bags of cocoa shells. Pa said that was the best mulch for his roses. What goes around comes around! Table I built in Pa’s Workshop Gordon (age 7) and Pa (age 69) Clyde Showing Evelyn one of his Prize Winning Roses Darelynn Fung (age 9), Clyde (age 92) and Mark Fung (age 7) after walking in the parade at Clyde’s 69th Lehigh University reunion (1977) Ma and Pa stayed with my family in July of 1969. We watched on TV, on July 20th, the first man on the moon. I have been amazed at what Pa saw in his lifetime: the advent of automobiles, planes, and space travel. Pa smoked a pipe (Prince Albert tobacco) and would blow smoke rings. When I went to college, I started smoking a pipe. After much practice, I could blow smoke rings. Although Ma was extremely particular about preparing a meal and setting a table (no condiment jars on the table please). Pa on the other hand, was very basic: A&P grocery store raisin pie and peanut butter. Pa always followed the stock market. He kept track of the commodities in a 3 ring binder. He enjoyed going to the hotel DuPont and reading the ticker tape as it came in. At Christmas, Ma and Pa (who did not drink) would have very expensive bottles of liquor under their Christmas tree. These were gifts to Pa from people he had given good advice to about stocks. Pa told me, we knew cars were here to stay but the trick was to know which company was here to stay. In Pa’s later years, he would share stories of his childhood. He was raised by his grandparents (I do not know the particulars of this situation.) and as a young boy had a “business” of raising sheep. It was all his responsibility and he liked it when he sold the wool. Pa ran track at Dickinson and Lehigh. While at Dickinson, he ran against Jim Thorpe (and lost). Thorpe has been considered the best athlete of the first half of the 21st century. In the 1912 Olympics in Sweden, Thorpe won the pentathlon and decathlon. His world record score in the decathlon lasted until 1948. We took Pa to his 69th reunion at Lehigh in 1977 at the age of 92. Pa was looking forward to riding in a convertible in the parade. Unfortunately, an alumni from the year before Pa got to ride in the convertible. Of course, Pa said that was OK and he would walk the track with his great grandchildren (Darelynn Fung 9 and Mark Fung 7). Pa had a grand time and received the biggest applause. How appropriate for a fellow who ran against Jim Thorpe to take a final victory lap! Pa was an accomplished, steadfast individual.

George McClees In 1945, a young office manager named George McClees joined the H.B. Reese Candy Company, and by the time of his retirement would become the highest-level company executive who was not a member of the family - and would create a legacy of a different sort. McClees, altruistic and revered by his peers, retired as Vice President and General Manager in 1974. At that time, he was recognized for his many contributions to the company, the community, and to broad associations among confectionery and manufacturing alliances. ​With a mindset geared toward benevolence, not unlike another benefactor, Milton S. Hershey, George, in his own way, established a trust that has impacted our community's historical society and now, history center, in ways even he might not have envisioned. As a result, the McClees' kindness and farsightedness has put the History Center on a secure financial footing, assuring our mission will be carried forward in perpetuity. George McClees and Bertha (1974) Life has many obstacles in its pathway, a rough and windy road which George Duvall McClees has trod and triumphed and accepted its many challenges. Tonight, we, his friends, and coworkers gather together in his honor. Now, as he and his wife, Bertha, start on a new highway of life, may they find only happiness, health, and contentment in their future. ~ Pauline Flowers, at the tribute to George D. McClees, December 19, '74.

SWIMMING IN HERSHEY PARK Most people would agree that nothing beats the heat and humidity on a hot summer's day like a dip in a cool swimming pool. And one of Hershey Park's earliest offerings was just that. The park's first attempt, an earthen pool, existed but a short time, being washed out by severe flooding from a storm in July of 1908. It would be replaced by a more permanent concrete one as seen in this recently acquired rare photo. It was located in what is now commonly referred to as "The Hollow". Think flat area between the Comet station and lift hill and Spring Creek. This early aerial view gives the best view of the pool's location. From upper left to lower : ball field, swimming pool, man-made skating pond with first Electric Fountain, Spring Creek. The pool would quickly become one of the most popular (and most photographed) areas of the park. A toboggan slide using wood sleds would be added and later replaced by another with a dip during the pool's almost 20 years in existence. One lesser known fact is that this little fella...The Boy With the Leaking Boot (pictured below), or more accurately known as this in the catalog...had his first home in Hershey at the base of the slide. Watching bathers became so popular that a grandstand designed for viewing was added to accommodate the numerous spectators. The pool closed after the1928 season when it was replaced by a much larger one located at the intersection of Park Boulevard and West Derry Road. The catchphrase "Brings the seashore to your door" came about because of its sandy "beach" area, opened in July of 1929. SWIMMING IN HERSHEY PARK Many older locals fondly remember that pool which closed after the 1971 season. The last vestige of the pool, a light house, was removed several years ago.

The Story Behind Emma and Her Little Autograph Book Young Emma Strickler of Swatara Station did what so many young people did back in the 1800's and first half of the 20th century, she asked friends and relatives to pen a sentiment or well-wishes in her little autograph book. ​ Born just three and one half years after Milton Hershey, Emma Brightbill Strickler, seen here as a young girl... ...asked then twenty-one year old Philadelphia "confectioner and fancy cake baker" Milton S. Hershey to pen a note in her autograph book. Almost 144 years ago, he wrote the following: Photo source: Private Collection One is only happy in proportion as he makes others feel happy. And only useful as he contributes his influences for the finer callings in life. ~ M. S. Hershey ​ Derry, Pa. Apr. 9, 1879. (Courtesy of Hummelstown Area Historical Society) Photo source: Private Collection This is what young "Milt" (right), seen here in a swim suit with Edwin W. Holt, looked like in 1879. It is of interest to note that Emma Strickler would later marry James G. Fox of Hummelstown becoming the daughter-in-law of Dr. Thomas G. Fox, the man who brought Milton Hershey into the world in the right front bedroom of The Homestead.

ROTATING EXHIBITS To begin the virtual audio tour for this exhibit, please click the Play button. Rotating Exhibits 00:00 / 00:25

LIBRARY & RESEARCH SERVICES OVER 50,000 DERRY TOWNSHIP & HERSHEY ARTIFACTS & RECORDS FOR YOUR RESEARCH ​ A variety of resources are available to the public and for researchers to assist in genealogical and property documentation, such as church records, cemetery records, and yearbooks, as well as general historical research related to Derry Township and Hershey. We are pleased to announce that some of our photo collections are online! To browse our current online photo collections, as well as order image reproductions, click hersheyhistory.pastperfectonline.com . You may contact us by email at photos@hersheyhistory.org for assistance. Due to the extensive number of images in our collection, however, not all images are available online. The good news is that we are regularly publishing new photo catalogs, so check back often. History Center members automatically receive a 25% discount on all orders. HOW WE CAN HELP ​ Independent research can be conducted by scheduling an appointment to visit by calling 717-520-0748 during hours of operation or contact us by email at research@hersheyhistory.org so that a research assistant will be available to maximize the results of your research time. There is no charge for visitors to use our library or resources. But access depends on staff availability. ​ ​​ FEE-BASED RESEARCH SERVICES Available for genealogical research and other requests, this resear ch service is ideal for individuals who have conducted little to no personal research on their family tree and would like initial genealogical work completed, or individuals who have various other historical questions. F ee-based services include source materials, if available, and a brief report summarizing results. Additional recommendations for in-depth research may be included. ​ SELF-DIRECTED RESEARCH In our Library, visitors may use a dedicated laptop to access PDFs. Basic computer skills will be necessary. Visitors wishing to use the laptop must schedule a research appointment. There are instructions on searching the collections, and how to request assistance with your research. ​ Special Collections: Cemetery Files, Deeds, Family Files, Maps, Newspapers, Obituaries, Oral Histories, and Scrapbooks. ​ Master Collections : HHC Objects, HHC Archives, and the HHC Library. There are desktop links to the HHC Online Photo Collection (Past Perfect) and the HHC Website. Library Resources Research Station MAKE A RESEARCH APPOINTMENT: CALL (717) 520-0748 EMAIL research@hersheyhistory.org GENEALOGY ONLINE RESOURCES Cemetery Transcription Library Cyndi's List Ellis Island American Family Immigration History Center Family Search Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Genealogy FamilySearch Internet Genealogy Service Gen-Home Genealogy.com Historical Society of Dauphin County National Archives Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission PA residents can access Ancestry.com PA -Pennsylvania specific records for free Public Record Resource RootsWeb Library and Research