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Our programs focus on speaker presentations on history topics at the museum. Hershey Artfest is an annual art festival featuring artists and arrtisans in the region. Preservation and heritage events that celebrate Hershey and Derry Township's unique history. Seasonal and family fun events, such as Trains at the Tracks and the Holiday Train Show. Events & Programs Events focus on the arts, culture, preservation, Hershey history and heritage. Programs are speaker presentations on local and national history topics at the museum. WWII Trolley Tour of Hershey Event on Saturday, April 25, 2026 Hershey Artfest (Event on Saturday, May 9, 2026) Connecting Hershey: Bridges, Roads, and the Routes that Built our Town (Program on Wednesday, March 11, 6-7:30pm) Declaration: The Story of America’s Independence (Program on Monday, May 11, 6-7:30pm) Information on our events will be posted when details become available. To get news and updates from the Hershey History Center in your email Inbox, please subscribe to our Newsletter , and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) at @hersheyhistory. Some of our programs are recorded. Please visit the link to our YouTube channel to view those we have uploaded.

Learn about the history of the Hershey Transit System, and how Milton Hershey was involved. Information on renovation of trolleys by the committee. Photos of trolleys, and the car barn. Items to purchase: collectible wooden ornament, and a book written by the Friends of the Hershey Trolley. "Hershey Transit: Images of Rail" by Friends of the Hershey Trolley" Support the group. Friends of the Hershey Trolley Friends of the Hershey Trolley (FOHT) is a committee of the Hershey History Center. MISSION & HISTORY Friends of the Hershey Trolley's mission is the education and preservation of the Hershey Transit trolley system that ran from 1904 to 1946. The committee is comprised of community members and volunteers, including Hershey History Center, HE&R, Hershey Museum, Milton Hershey School, and the MS Hershey Foundation. On December 21, 1946 , at midnight, Cars No. 17, No. 21, and No. 23 rolled out of the square in Hershey on their last run, ending the almost half-century era of Milton Hershey’s trolley line. Regardless of inclement weather, "Hersheyites" rode the cars for the last time, carrying receipts showing a thirty-five percent increase on that day. As the chocolate company took off, Milton Hershey saw a need for transportation, not only to bring milk from the fields on surrounding farms, but also to bring his workers into Hershey. 1903 saw the formation of the Hummelstown & Campbellstown Street Railway, sponsored by Mr. Hershey, to operate an electric railway from Hummelstown through Derry Church to Palmyra to Palmyra and Campbelltown. Three Brill trolley cars were ordered, one straight passenger and the other two combination freight and passenger. On October 15, 1904, the first trolley left Hummelstown for Derry Church. 1907 saw additional cars and companies added to accommodate the increased number of passengers and freight. Additional trolley lines sprung up; Deodate & Hershey Street Railway, Elizabethtown & Deodate Street Railway, Conestoga Traction Co. and the Lebanon and Campbelltown Street Railway were formed, extending service and adjoining existing service to outlying communities. On December 13, 1913, the Hershey Transit Company was formed, merging all the surrounding trolley lines and subsidiaries. Hershey officials kept their trolleys and the 35 miles of line in first-class condition. Cars were clean and brightly painted in deep green with yellow trim. The Hershey Transit car roster numbered 1 through 30, although with some of the cars being replaced through the years, the total number of cars that ran during the company’s 42 year history is 34. STEERING COMMITTEE: Neil Fasnacht, Brad Ginder, Lisa Ginder, Matt Loser, Lisa Maloy, and Todd Pagliarulo. EXHIBITIONS & COLLECTIONS Currently our restoration projects are only open to the public for select events in a private facility. Please visit our museum displays at the Hershey History Center. For information on the No. 7 and No. 3 trolleys, and on the Hershey Electric Railway, please visit the links below. HERSHEY TRANSIT NO. 7 Click for information HERSHEY TRANSIT NO. 3 Click for information THE HERSHEY ELECTRIC RAILWAY Click for information CAR BARNS Read about Hershey Transit Car Barns HERSHEY HISTORY CENTER'S PHOTO ARCHIVE Hershey Transit Trolleys Car Barns Explore the general collection PURCHASE AT THE GIFT SHOP Wood collectible block of the West Car Barn Produced by Hometown Designs, approximately 10″ x 2.5″, all proceeds go to Friends of the Hershey Trolley. The West Car Barn was the last standing car barn in Hershey that housed the street cars for the Hershey Transit Company. Depicted here, with No. 3 and No. 7 at the east end of the barn. One of three interurban cars built by the Cincinnati Car Company in 1913, No. 7 ran on the Hershey line between 1930 and 1946. Originally part of the Ephrata and Lebanon Street Railway Co., No. 7 was a full passenger car and one of the more ornate streetcars on the transit system. It was a popular car used to transport patrons to the Hotel Hershey and Milton Hershey School’s Senior Hall. Buy it today and help us restore Trolley No7. Available at the Hershey History Center's gift shop for $5.00. (Sorry, no shipping available. ) "Hershey Transit: Images of Rail" by Friends of the Hershey Trolley When Milton S. Hershey broke ground to construct his new chocolate factory in 1903, many questioned the wisdom of building in the middle of a cornfield. With his factory wedged between the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad tracks and the Berks & Dauphin Turnpike, Hershey set out to create a first-rate street railway system. The Hershey Transit Company existed many years after the trolley industry declined in most areas of the United States. It was the chief mode of travel for the chocolate factory workers, vital to dairy farmers for transport of fresh milk to the factory, and essential to students of the Hershey Industrial School housed in surrounding farms. On the weekends, the transit system brought people from outlying areas into Hershey, Pennsylvania, to enjoy the theater or the famous Hershey Park for employee picnics, family outings, or special occasions. Hershey Transit documents one of the best-known and well-kept streetcar systems, started by Milton S. Hershey and operated from 1904 to 1946. Buy it today. Available at the Hershey History Center's gift shop for $21.99. (Sorry, no shipping available.) SUPPORT THE FRIENDS OF THE HERSHEY TROLLEY Please donate to the Friends of the Hershey Trolley (FOHT) at the "Donate" button. Your contributions help to restore the No. 7 trolley. Follow the FOHT on Facebook for the latest news. f you would like to be a FOHT volunteer, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us by email at trollies@hersheyhistory.org

Many items for sale made by local artisans. Clothing. Mission-based goods. Books by local authors. Photos and brief description of some of the inventory. Shipping possible. Contact us at info@hersheyhistory.org for information. 1729 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 memento of your visit. Find lots of one-of-a-kind items and mission-based goods, as well as locally made products. We are open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am to 3pm. Members of the Hershey History Center receive 10% discount off purchases. In-store purchase only. Sorry, no shipping available. Not all items at the gift shop are listed here. Stock will vary over time. Price is subject to change. We hope you stop by the 1729 Shop. Hershey Bears (Sundries) Tall beverage glasses with Hershey Bears logo. Hockey puck Christmas tree ornament. Price: $10 one glass. $32 four glasses. $5 Puck Ornament. Hershey Bears (DVD) The B’ars to Bears film is a full-length documentary produced by the Hershey History Center, featuring the American Hockey League’s oldest and most successful franchise, the Hershey Bears. (Film trailer .) Price: $20 (DVD) Hershey Bears (Book) The Hershey Bears: Sweet Seasons by Tim Leone tells the story of the oldest and most celebrated franchise in American Hockey League history, and winner of 13 Calder Cups since 2024. Price: $24 (Paperback) Home Decor Paper-mache hanging ornaments handmade from vintage ski-ball tickets. Created by Hershey artisan Susan Mittan. Price $15 small ball. $20 large ball. Home Decor Own a piece of Hershey history! During the 1930’s, Milton Hershey conducted an ambitious building campaign in order to provide work for local residents because of the difficult economy of the Depression years. Red terra cotta tiles were among those materials. The tiles can still be seen in The Hotel Hershey, the Community Building ambulance entrance, and possibly other structures no longer accessible to the public. These tiles were used in front of the Hershey Park Ballroom. The Ballroom itself was built around 1909, so these tiles would have been added at the front of the building much later. Price: $25 Home Decor Wooden keepsake box carved and decorated with United States Army detailing. 4 inches diameter. Price: $17.50 Postcards Colorful postcards by local photographer, John Miller. Sure to delight anyone who'll receive one of these in their mailbox! Price: $1.50 Vintage-Inspired Wrapping Paper Our wrapping paper (22 "x 28") captures the unique history of the town of Hershey. One design is a collage of postcards showing structures built by Milton Hershey for his town. Some are no longer standing, and some have been repurposed, but most still grace the landscape of the town. Another design features sketched images of iconic buildings. This paper replicates the paper used to wrap merchandise in the Hershey Department Store. Price: $3.50 per sheet. $12 four sheets. $20 eight sheets. Wooden Bowls Hand-crafted bowls made from local sources of many different species of wood, including ash, cherry, lilac, English walnut, maple, and cedar. By Bill Henschke. Price: $60 and up Decorative Cushions Authentic sugar bags from Cuba, circa. 1920-1945, used in the creation of cushions custom designed and made by Hershey artisan Susan Mittan. Price: $100 for a 5lb cushion. $125 for a 100 lb cushion. Decorative Pillows Vintage pennant pillows created by Hershey artisan Susan Mittan. Made from high school class banners in the class colors. One of a kind unique item celebrating Hershey's heritage. Price: $75 Caps Hershey Speedway Caps. Made in the USA. Color - dark blue, gray, and tan. (Adult size.) Price: $18 Apparel Hershey Speedway T-Shirts in M, L, XL 2XL. (Adult sizes, only.) 50% cotton. 50% polyester. Hershey Speedway was intermittently active from 1939 through 1982. After races, fans and local businesses met in the Cocoa Inn to celebrate their love of the sport. This led to some of the nation's first auto racing sponsorships. These shirts commemorate both the sport and the iconic Inn. Apparel Training Camp T-Shirt. From 1951 to 1967, the Philadelphia Eagles came to Hershey for their summer training camp at the Hershey Stadium. The team stayed in Hershey for three weeks of preseason conditioning from late July to early August. Sizes: S. M. (Adult sizes, only.) Made by Royal Apparel. Price: $25 Apparel Stay Apparel T-shirts. Apparel with a local appeal. Sizes: S. M, L, and XL. (Adult sizes, only.) Made in the USA. 100% cotton. Price: $25 Retro View-Master Limited edition View-Master reel of unique, colorized early downtown Hershey images. Includes a booklet containing fascinating facts about each of the seven images, such as the Cocoa House and the Hershey Store Company. Reel works with any View-Master, old or new. Price: $20 View-Master. $20 Reel. Artisanal Soap Scrub up like a hockey player with charcoal and tea tree oil in the After Skate soap. All our soaps are hand crafted for Hershey History Center by Wild Lemon Soap Co. Price: $10 Artisanal Soap Chocolate treat with a fragrance of chocolate. Made with cocoa powder and chocolate fragrance oil, exclusively for Hershey History Center. Price: $10 Artisanal Soap Hang Tough soap crafted excusively for Hershey History Center by Wild Lemon Soap Co. Made from all natural ingredients. Fragrance blend of citrus, cedar wood and bay. Price: $10 Artisanal Soap One in a series of mission-based products. All made with natural ingredients. This one is a tribute to Harry Erdman, Hershey's first master gardener. Fragrance of fresh roses. Price: $10 Tea Towels Cotton kitchen towels with Hershey Chocolate Factory graphic. Made by Hershey artisan Susan Mittan. Price: $10 per towel. $18 two towels. Children's Books Books on trains, trolleys, and chocoloate for young children. More titles available. Paperback and hardcover. Price: $5.99 and up. Pullback Trains Kids will have hours of fun playing with Pullback trains. Price: $2 LEGO® Trains Build a LEGO® Train with this easy construction toy. Price: $7 Patchwork Stuffed Animals (and Book) Patchwork stuffed animals created by Susan Mittan are featured in the book, Mr. Hershey's Zoo. Produced by the Hershey History Center. Price: $27 stuffed animal. $8 paperback book. ($30 stuffed animal and a book.) Toy Trains DIY Assembles train suitable for children age 5 and up. Price: $18 Train Puzzles 3-D Wood puzzles. For children age 3 and up. Price: $10 (30 piece puzzle). $12 (72 piece puzzle). Books on American History Author Robert P. Watson is a Hershey native. (5 books available at the gift shop.) The Nazi Titanic. When Washington Burned. The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn. America's First Plague. George Washington's Final Battle. Price: $17 and up. (Paperback & hardcover) Book by a Local Author with a Local Interest Early Schoolhouses of Derry Township by Anne M. Searer is a charming little book about the local area's schools in the 19th century. Price: $18 (Paperback) Book by a Local Author with a Local Interest Finding Chocolate Alleys by Deborah Gould and illustrated by Judith Rush. Growing up in a town with chocolate in the air is magical. Exploring the streets and alleys of a small town was full of adventure for an eight-year-old riding her bike. Price: $20 (Hardcover) $10 (Paperback) Biography on Milton S. Hershey Hershey: Milton S. Hershey's Extraordinary Life of Wealth, Empire, and Utopian Dreams. By Michael D'Antonio. Price: $18.99 (Paperback) Notable Authors on World War Two Hardcover and paperback titles by well known authors on World War Two. Price: Please see the shop for information. Book by a Local Author with a Local Interest La Cucina di Nonna is an Italian cookbook written and designed by Vicki Pasquini Caloiero, celebrating her grandmother's recipes. It is a "una lettura deliziosa"! Price: $45 (Paperback) Major Dick Winters (Biography) Hang Tough: The WWll Letters and Artifacts of Major Dick Winters by local authors, Erik Dorr and Jared Frederick. Price: $30 (Hardcover) Major Dick Winters (Poster) Poster of Major Dick Winters' Ten Principles for Success: his guiding principles of leadership as composed in collaboration with friend and co-author Cole Kingseed. Price: $20 Major Dick Winters (Themed Glasses) Tall beverage glasses decorated with Major Dick Winters' Ten Principles for Success. Price: $10 each. $32 four glasses. Books by a Local Author with a Local Interest Smoke(stacks) if you got 'em... Photos(of a town), Hershey, Pennsylvania: Two books that tell a photographic story of our town. Seen through the lens of local photographer John Martin. Price: $20 each Book by Local Authors with a Local Interest Hershey Transit: Images of Rail by The Friends of the Hershey Trolley and the Hershey Derry Township Historical Society is just one of several titles on trolleys at the shop. Historic images depict the transit system's connections from Hershey, Pennsylvania, to neighboring communities. Price: $21.99 (Paperback) Book by a Local Author with a Local Interest Semisweet: An Orphan's Journey Through the School The Hersheys Built by John O'Brien, former President of the Milton Hershey School. Price: $31 (Hardcover) Book by a Local Author with a Local Interest Edited by C. Max Lang, David E. Jenkins, and John A. Waldhausen. The book discusses the role of the founders in the assessment of leadership, recruitment and funding of Penn State College of Medicine. Price: $18.63 (Paperback) Book by a Local Author with a Local Interest Hershey (Then and Now) by James D. McMahon Jr., compares historical and contemporary images of places: how they used to look and how they look now, focusing on the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1903. Price: $24.99 (Paperback) Books on Trains for Adult Readers Selection of books for adult readers with an interest in trains. These books are are second-hand and gently used. Price: $5.00 each (Hardcover)

Hershey History Center's annual Artfests supports many local artisan exhibiting a wide variety of artwork. Art demonstrations. Fun activities for kids and music performers. Food trucks selling a variety of snacks and drinks. Hershey Artfest Hershey Artfest – Celebrating Art, Community, and America’s 250th Anniversary! Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026. 9am to 4pm. Location: Englewood Hershey 1219 W. End Ave, Hummelstown, PA 17036. (Hershey West End.) Hershey Artfest is easy to access from Rt. 422, and 322, and all points coming into Hershey. Parking: At the Research Center Lot. Over 2,000 spaces will be available for guests and artists. Disabled parking is also available onsite. Entry: FREE to the general public. For general questions about Artfest, or for sponsorship opportunities: Please send an email to artfest@hersheyhistory.org or call (717) 520-0748. About Artfest: There’s no better way to honor creativity, community, and our shared American story than on Saturday, May 9, 2026, when Hershey Artfest returns to Englewood Hershey in Hershey West End. This year, the tradition carries special meaning as the festival joins in celebrating America's 250th anniversary and the history of our hometown. Save the date and bring mom to celebrate her special day, bring the kids, and invite friends and neighbors – Hershey Artfest has something for everyone! What could be a sweeter way to spend Mother’s Day Weekend than supporting the arts while taking part in a milestone moment in our nation’s history? Each year, Artfest showcases the talent and creativity of our region, featuring a wide array of artists, artisans, and authors presenting their work across many mediums – from fine art and ceramics to metalwork, wood, textiles, jewelry, and more. This year, there will be demonstration tent, where artists will be sharing how they make their art, where they get inspiration, techniques, and the history of their work. We welcome Erin Edith , who is an acrylic artist working out of Lititz, Pennsylvania. Erin Edith is the first "Live Artist" featured at this event, producing a picture just for Artfest. Her paintings bring a vibrant, feminine touch to the landscapes she loves most—from the serene geometry of golf courses to the rolling farmland of Central Pennsylvania and the joyful energy of live wedding scenes. Known for her use of bright, expressive color, Erin transforms familiar environments into dreamlike compositions filled with uplifting hues, especially her signature pinks, purples, and bold contrasts. Her work blends observation with emotion, aiming to capture not only how a place looks, but how it feels. Since going full time with her art in 2022 Erin has sent work to two PGA Tour players, worked countless live events and sold prints and paintings across the country. Whether she’s painting the sweeping curves of a fairway, the quiet charm of a local green, or creating a timeless keepsake during a couple’s wedding day, Erin’s goal remains the same: to translate the world’s natural vibrancy into art that sparks joy, connection, and lasting memory. When not in the studio, she is spending time with her husband and two toddlers cherishing the beautiful chaos of motherhood. Children's activities include crafts, hands-on art stations, spin art, doodle booth fun, and more! Festival-goers can also experience a unique mix of food offerings from around the world. This year’s event embraces an Americana feel, honoring the craftsmanship, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit that has carried our country forward for 250 years. ART VENDOR REGISTRATION Please select a link to register. What is the difference between the two links? Google account holders can upload a file. Those who not have a Google account should send an email attachment of artwork images to artfest@hersheyhistory.org Art Vendors WITH a Google account Art vendors WITHOUT a Google account Registration closes on April 1st, 2026. FOOD VENDOR REGISTRATION Register here Please note: To ensure a balanced vendor experience at Artfest, coffee sales are reserved for a designated event partner and may not be sold from food trucks. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have questions, please send an email to artfest@hersheyhistory.org Registration closes on April 1st, 2026. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Sign up here Volunteers needed for Hershey Artfest, May 9, 2026. We need your help to make Artfest a success! There are different jobs and shifts throughout the day. No experience necessary. Plus plenty of opportunity to browse the art, listen to music and sample the food. It's a great day out and a fun event for volunteers. EXHIBITS 2026 art vendors will exhibit many mediums at Hershey Artfest, including fine art, ceramics, photography, textiles, wood, metal work, glass work, books, jewelry, mixed media, and more. SPONSORS Highmark Penn State Health Sally Copeland, Coldwell Banker Realty Sponsors

Host your wedding at this beautiful location. Can accommodate up to 100 guests. Reasonable rates. List of experienced caterers and musicians available. Wedding Venue Hershey History Center is a perfect venue for your perfect day. Hosting your wedding is our pleasure. Let us make your special day amazing, and achieve the most wonderful wedding possible. Every wedding has a story. It begins with you and your loved one. We would love to be part of your wedding story. PLEASE NOTE: The Hershey History Center's facility rental is open to the public. Membership is NOT required. Your Wedding at the Hershey History Center Request Information Please note: Submitting this form does not guarantee a requested date is reserved. Our coordinator will reach out to provide information and confirm availability . Email Name Phone Date(s) Requested Type of event and number of attendees Submit Request The one-of-a-kind setting known as The Barnyard, at the History Center’s adapted barn and museum, provides the ideal location and access to local attractions for your wedding. (Reasonably accommodates 100-125 guests.) Contact us today to book or discuss hosting your event at the Hershey History Center. Outdoor space for up to 125 persons Indoor meeting space/dining capacity for up to 100 persons List of experienced caterers and musicians available Centrally located in Hershey Why is the Hershey History Center a great place for your wedding? Beautiful surroundings, great location, and much more...

Facility Rental Payment Events at Hershey History Center Please use the Pay Now button to pay the deposit and/or the full rental payment. Thank you.

The Hershey History Center is looking for volunteers with an interest in history, great attention to detail and who love to organize things. We have numerous projects in our archives. Tasks include arranging materials, looking for duplicates, rehousing items, searching our database and entering information. We are also ooking for volunteers to join our excellent reception team. Volunteer With Us Current Openings Do you have a passion for history and a talent for organization? Elevate your professional profile by volunteering with the Hershey History Center. We are seeking detail-oriented individuals with strong customer service skills and a proactive approach to project management. Posted February 2026. Collections Management Assistants We have numerous projects in our archives. Tasks include arranging materials, looking for duplicates, rehousing items, searching our database and entering information. You will work with our preservation team, and training and supervision will be given every step of the way. Hours are flexible. All we ask is that you are available to work a minimum of four hours per month during business hours, Monday to Friday 10am-4pm. Help us to make history happen here! Commitment Details : Hours are flexible and we are open to volunteers Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. We kindly ask that you are available to work a minimum of four hours per month. Other Requirements: Commitment to see a project through. Willingness to learn. Ability to work independently but ask for help when needed. Volunteering for this position is on-site; therefore, you must be in or near Hershey, PA. If you are interested in this volunteer position, please send an email to: volunteers@herheyhistory.org or call the Hershey History Center Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between the hours of 10am and 3pm to speak to a staff member, or leave a voice message and we will return your call. Reception Desk Volunteers We are looking for volunteers to join our excellent reception team to work Monday through Saturday, 10am-3pm, or half shifts (10am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-3pm). Tasks include greeting visitors, answering questions, alerting staff when someone is there to meet them; taking cash and card payments for museum entry and gift shop purchases; answering the telephone, taking messages; and keeping reception tidy and free of clutter. A friendly attitude, good organizational skills and the ability to multitask are essential. Training and supervision will be given and will take place Monday through Friday. Training is provided. Commitment Details : Hours are flexible. Monday through Saturday 10am-3pm (or half shifts if needed). Other Requirements: Reception training takes place on Monday through Friday. The amount required depends on when you feel ready to go solo! Volunteering for this position is on-site: therefore, you must be in or near Hershey, PA. Multiple shifts available: We are flexible. Half-day shifts are available. 10:00am to 3:00pm If you are interested in this volunteer position, please send an email to: volunteers@hersheyhistory.org or call the Hershey History Center Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between the hours of 10am and 3pm to speak to a staff member, or leave a voice message and we will return your call.

Official website for the Hershey History Center. Come visit, join, and be a part of celebrating our town's wonderful heritage. Hershey Transit Company, and HersheyPark Skyview Ride Chair 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! Connecting Hershey: Bridges, Roads and the Routes that Built our Town Connecting Hershey: Bridges, Roads, and the Routs that Built our Town Wednesday, March 11 | 6:00pm to 7:30pm Join the Hershey History Center for an illustrated presentation exploring the bridges, roads, railroads, canals, and transit routes that connected people, powered industry, and transformed the local landscape. Using a rich slideshow of historic and contemporary images, this program will highlight “then and now” views whenever available, offering a visual look at how local infrastructure evolved over time. More information World War II Trolley Tour World War 2 Trolley Tour of Hershey Saturday, April 25, 2026 The Hershey History Center, in partnership with the Central PA WWII Roundtable, is hosting a trolley tour on April 25, 2026. This tour will share stories, make stops, display unique WWII artifacts, and bring history to life. Tours will depart from and return to the History Center at 40 Northeast Drive in Hershey. More information on ticketing and tour route to come. Please, save the date to join us for this iconic tour of Hershey history and architecture. More information Hershey Artfest Hershey Artfest Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 9am to 4pm There’s no better way to honor creativity, community, and our shared American story than on Saturday, May 9, 2026, when Hershey Artfest returns to Englewood Hershey in Hershey’s West End. This year, the tradition carries special meaning as the festival joins in celebrating America's 250th anniversary and the history of our hometown. Save the date and bring mom to celebrate her special day, bring the kids, and invite friends and neighbors – Hershey Artfest has something for everyone! More on Artfest Declaration: The Story of America’s Independence Bob Watson - Declaration: The Story of America’s Independence Monday, May 11, 2026 | 6pm to 7:30pm Presented by historian, author, and Hershey native, Professor Robert P. Watson Ph.D. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Hershey History Center will host acclaimed historian and author Robert P. Watson, PhD. on Thursday, May 11, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for an engaging discussion of his latest book, Declaration: The Story of America’s Independence. About the program Sign up for our Newsletter Subscribe online to get the HHC Newsletter Receive news and updates from the Hershey History Center in your email Inbox, please subscribe to our Newsletter, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and X at @hersheyhistory Subscribe to the newsletter 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 The windowless offices of the Chocolate Co. decorated for Christmas in December 1956. COMMUNITY INN - INTERIOR - PRE 1958 Later called the Cocoa Inn State Police Rodeo The windowless offices of the Chocolate Co. decorated for Christmas in December 1956. 1/45 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. Exhibits & Collections 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 Hershey History Center Connections Ride Hershey E-Tours Book your e-bike adventure with Hershey e-Tours . First stop is to tour the Hershey History Center. Shop Monthly Artisan Market Hosted by Stay Apparel . Featuring a variety of talented artisans. FREE admission to the museum. Tour YOKL Food Tours Book a food and shopping tour visiting local restaurants & unique shops. Trolley goes from the museum. Hershey E-Tours. Stay Apparel. YOKL Food Tours OTHER MUSEUMS OF INTEREST AACA Library & Research Center AACA Museum Gettysburg National Military Park Hershey Community Archives Hershey Story Museum Hummelstown Historical Society Lancaster History Lebanon County Historical Society National Civil War Museum Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Pennsylvania State Police 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

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Hershey History Center will host acclaimed historian and author Robert P. Watson, PhD. on Thursday, May 11, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for an engaging discussion of his latest book, Declaration: The Story of America’s Independence. Declaration: The Story of America's Independence Declaration: The Story of America’s Independence Monday, May 11 | 6:00 pm - 7:30pm Presented by historian, author, and Hershey native, Professor Robert P. Watson Ph.D. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Hershey History Center will host acclaimed historian and author Robert P. Watson, PhD. on Thursday, May 11, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for an engaging discussion of his latest book, Declaration: The Story of America’s Independence. Books will be on sale at the program. HHC members receive a 10% discount. Click here for more about Robert Watson's books. About the program Watson’s Declaration uncovers the lesser-known stories, surprising twists, and forgotten voices behind the creation of the United States’ most iconic document. Drawing from letters, diaries, newspapers, and diplomatic records, Watson examines the debates, drafts, and drama that shaped the Declaration of Independence. Attendees will gain insight into the complex and often misunderstood origins of the Declaration, including the missteps of the British Crown, shifting colonial sentiments, and the contributions of enlightened thinkers who helped spark a revolutionary moment in history. The book also explores the influence of women, enslaved individuals, and Indigenous peoples, highlighting the diverse perspectives that shaped America’s early years. Watson will discuss the document’s philosophical roots, its political impact, and the ongoing struggle to realize its promises of liberty and equality. Books will be available for purchase, and the author will offer autograph opportunities following the presentation. Books by the author Bio Robert Watson has published nearly 50 books and 200 scholarly articles and essays on topics in political, military, and social history, as well as two multi-edition, multi-volume encyclopedia sets on the presidents and first ladies. Some of his recent books include Affairs of State (Rowman & Littlefield, 2012), America’s First Crisis (SUNY Press, 2014), The Nazi Titanic (Hachette, 2016), The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn (Hachette, 2017), George Washington’s Final Battle (Georgetown University Press, 2021), Escape! (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021), When Washington Burned (Georgetown University Press, 2023), American’s First Plague (Rowman & Littlefield, 2023), Rebels at the Gates (Rowman & Littlefield, 2025), and two forthcoming books: Declaration: The Story of American Independence (Bloomsbury, 2026) and The Trump Presidency (SUNY Press, 2026). A few of Watson’s books have won national awards, are in foreign translation, and have been featured at literary festivals, on PBS and C-SPAN, and in television documentaries. A frequent media commentator, Watson has been interviewed thousands of times by news outlets around the world, including CNN, MSNBC, USA Today, The New York Times, NPR, and the BBC, and has appeared on Hardball, The Daily Show, C-SPAN, The Washington Journal, etc. He was a longtime Sunday columnist for the Sun-Sentinel newspaper and, for many years, an analyst for WPTV 5 (NBC), WPBT 2 (PBS), WIOD 610 AM, WFTL 850 AM, RTE 1 Ireland, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. He has served as researcher, writer, and an on-screen expert for 30 historical documentaries for such networks as Science, National Geographic, History Channel, Fuse, Super Channel, and others, including two seasons of an international award-winning series on Nazi secrets and two shows hosted by Morgan Freeman. Dr. Watson co-convened a half-dozen national conferences, co-founded the annual Truman Legacy Symposium for the Truman Presidential Library, and served on the boards of academic associations, community organizations, the Harry S. Truman Foundation, Calvin Coolidge Foundation, and George McGovern Center for Leadership. He also served as founder/editor of the scholarly journal White House Studies, assistant editor/book review editor of The Social Science Journal, and “Presidency Series” editor for the State University of New York Press. As a visiting scholar, he has worked with or lectured for the nation’s preeminent historic sites, including the Truman Presidential Library, Ford Presidential Museum, Illinois Holocaust Museum, US Military Academy at West Point, National Archives, Smithsonian Institution and Smithsonian Associates, Pentagon, Museum of the American Revolution, American Revolution Institute, Gilder-Lehrman Institute of American History, National Museum of the US Navy, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Society of the Cincinnati, James Madison’s Montpelier, Fraunces Tavern Museum, Gettysburg National Battlefield, National Civil War Museum, American Civil War Museum, Mount Rushmore, US Capitol Historical Society, White House Historical Association, Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Museum of Jewish Heritage in NYC, Andersonville National Historic Site, National POW Museum, and others. Watson co-chaired initiatives to build the Calvin Coolidge historic site’s Presidential Museum, renovate the Harry Truman Little White House, and secure both the 2012 presidential debate at Lynn University and the 2008 Democratic and Republican primary debates at Florida Atlantic University. He developed curriculum for the “Holocaust Learning Experience” for high schools in Florida, lesson plans and workshops on the Broadway shows Hamilton, Six, Les Miserables, Ragtime, Parade, and To Kill a Mockingbird on behalf of performing arts centers, and curriculum guides on Apple iTunes U for schools studying the 2012 presidential debates. Watson also offers “chat backs” from the stage after theatrical performances, is one of a select group of historians invited every few years by C-SPAN and other organizations to rank the presidents, and is the onboard “enrichment lecturer” for Oceania and Scenic cruise lines. As a community leader, Watson has hosted voter registration drives, civic education programs for schools, workshops for teachers, and initiatives to support women- and minority-owned businesses and socially responsible business practices. He served as a judge for History Day contests, pronouncer for spelling bees, and moderator for political debates and community town halls throughout south Florida, co-founded three non-profits dedicated to civic engagement, political reform, and fact-checking political ads, has hosted for three decades a distinguished lecture series focusing on social justice and civility, whereby he has interviewed over 100 national leaders in politics, law, diplomacy, the military, and the arts, and, with his then-teenage son, organized an annual writing contest for five years for students in Florida. Watson has delivered over 2,500 lectures to libraries, museums, historic sites, community groups, and corporate conventions around the world, is a popular lecturer with One Day University, Curiosity Stream, the 92Y, and has led “study tours” to historic sites around the world. The recipient of many awards for his contributions to the study of the presidency, election commentary, community service, civics programs for schools, and efforts to combat anti-Semitism and incivility, Watson has won “Professor of the Year” several times and has won all three campus-wide faculty awards—service, research, and teaching—at Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University. Robert was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, attended public schools in Hershey, and was educated at Virginia Tech, where he lettered on the football and track teams and has been inducted into two sports halls of fame. Watson taught previously at Troy, Northern Arizona, the University of Hawaii, Florida State’s London campus, Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, and with the Junior Statesman Foundation at Yale, Stanford, and Georgetown, and now holds the titles Distinguished Professor of History, Avron Fogelman Research Professor, and Assistant Director of the Center for Citizenship and Civility at Lynn University. He is the proud father of Alexander and Isabella. Please make a donation In order to support our ongoing mission of promoting our local history in light of the costs incurred for public programming, we are asking for a suggested donation of $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. DONATE

Join the Hershey History Center for an illustrated presentation exploring the bridges, roads, railroads, canals, and transit routes that connected people, powered industry, and transformed the local landscape. Using a rich slideshow of historic and contemporary images, this program will highlight “then and now” views whenever available, offering a visual look at how local infrastructure evolved over time. Connecting Hershey Connecting Hershey: Bridges, Roads, and the Routes that Built our Town Iron Bridge, N. Mill Street Wednesday, March 11 | 6pm to 7:30pm From early canals and rail lines to bridges, roads, and trolley routes, transportation has played a critical role in shaping Derry Township and the community we know today. Join the Hershey History Center for an illustrated presentation exploring the bridges, roads, railroads, canals, and transit routes that connected people, powered industry, and transformed the local landscape. Using a rich slideshow of historic and contemporary images, this program will highlight “then and now” views whenever available, offering a visual look at how local infrastructure evolved over time. The presentation will be led by Tom Memmi, Historian and Archivist at the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. Memmi has delivered numerous historical presentations, authored multiple articles, and published a book focused on Pennsylvania history. His work brings together careful research and accessible storytelling to help audiences better understand how transportation networks and routes influenced everyday life and community growth. This program is ideal for history enthusiasts, lifelong learners, and anyone interested in how the movement of people and goods helped shape Hershey’s past. Registration is not required. Everyone is welcome. Donations are appreciated. DONATE

Hershey Bears hockey team history told in a documentary film. B'ars to Bears: Hershey Hockey Dynasty. Purchase the DVD at the museum. B'ars to Bears Documentary The B’ars to Bears film is a full-length documentary produced by the Hershey History Center, featuring the American Hockey League’s oldest and most successful franchise, the Hershey Bears. Originally called the “B’ars” as a reference to American candy mogul Milton S. Hershey’s chocolate bar, the amateur B’ars became the iconic Bears when they entered the American Hockey League in 1938. More than eight decades of the team’s storied history is chronicled in the film, featuring exclusive interviews with hockey personalities Don Cherry, Bruce Boudreau, Stan Fischler, Kerry Fraser and Willie Marshall. This film is available for purchase through the Hershey History Center and is available digitally on Prime Video. All proceeds support the mission of the History Center and benefit the Hershey Bears artifact and research collection at the History Center, the largest, publicly available repository of Bears programs, photographs and artifacts. Director of Photography Matt Stambaugh Edited by Matt Stambaugh Cover Illustration by Accorsi Studios WATCH FILM TRAILER Please purchase the DVD at the Hershey History Center for $20. The DVD may be mailed to you for an additional $5. Please contact us at info@hersheyhistory.org or call us during our hours of operation. Facebook Page

Hershey Estates consisted of entities Milton Hershey established provided all things needed for a thriving community: jobs, places to live, commodities and supplies, utilities and services, education, cultural and recreational opportunities. A HISTORY OF HERSHEY ESTATES A unique town exploded onto the rural landscape of central Pennsylvania in 1903, brought into existence from the visionary mind of Milton S. Hershey and his establishment of what would become the world's largest chocolate factory. A Town is Born The multiple entities Hershey established provided all things needed for a thriving community: jobs, places to live, commodities and supplies, utilities and services, education, cultural and recreational opportunities. Due to Milton Hershey's interest in the health and welfare of his townspeople, Hershey, Pennsylvania was like no other "company town." Everything a growing, thriving town needed, he provided... a beautiful recreational park, large convention hall, dance pavilion, and swimming pool a bank and a department store a hospital and a first-of-its-kind consolidated school …to name just a few of the town's early amenities. Later, during one of our country's most depressed decades, he would subsidize the building of a world-class hotel, a community building with a magnificent theatre, a high school for his Hershey Industrial School orphans, a state-of-the-art chocolate factory office, an innovative sports arena, and a big-city stadium. “I am trying to build here a place where people can be happy and contented while they work and live." Success Magazine article 1927 Milton S. Hershey Hershey From the beginning, the town nurtured a multi-faceted experience for its residents – and continues to draw visitors to take in its many offerings. Milton S. Hershey "I am carrying out the terms of my own will while I am still living… If I should pass tomorrow everything would go on just as it is going on now… After all, what good is one's money unless one uses it for the good of the community and humanity in general?" A Town Grows and Thrives The industrialists who spawned America's infrastructure and commerce were nothing without their labor force. Some were paternalistic, creating communities that supported their employees to induce greater returns, some focused solely on their own capital gain. MS Hershey was not only paternalistic, but he was also focused on the people as much as on his product. He was unquestionably dedicated to ensuring his workers had first class amenities, guaranteeing certain rights for their benefit, and devising opportunities in which to spend their free time with their families. For manufacturing employees in some other places and other industries, a day off was not a guarantee, wages were much less than fair, standard housing was never a promise, and scrip was issued in place of cash — requiring workers to use company businesses. Lowell, Massachusetts, considered the first industrial company town in America, required female employees to attend church and wakened them to a daily factory bell in their dorm. In Pullman, Illinois, where railroad cars were the commodity, residents were not allowed to own their homes and even the books for the library were monitored. George Pullman responded to an economic depression by lowering wages but not rents or other costs, ultimately leading to one of the largest strikes in labor history, resulting in the creation of Labor Day. Unlike other manufacturing towns, created only to sustain production, Hershey looked and smelled like a sweet utopia. It rang out with the sounds of cheering crowds and Broadway shows, and hosted Henry Picard and Ben Hogan as golf pros. It produced or provided most household needs from food and soap to greenery and fashion, gas for cars and coal for the homes. Today, hockey goal buzzers still buzz, golfers still hit the greens, and the Gardens still flourish. As for other manufacturing communities which still exist, many do so as national parks or historic museums. But none have so successfully evolved, thrived, and yet retained the very foundation and economic base as Hershey has. All of this was envisioned at the inception of planning for a small manufacturing town; a unique town that promised a lot and provided even more. From the town's earliest days, Mr. Hershey created an infrastructure for the community that provided everything his citizens might need. In 1906, he established the Hershey Improvement Company (HIC) which provided electricity, telephone service, water, and a waste management—sewerage system. HIC also promoted the sale of real estate and assumed management of details typically taken care of by a municipal government. At this time, all the non-chocolate services still operated under the umbrella of the Chocolate Company. However, when Hershey stock was traded publicly on the NYSE in 1927, it became imperative to separate non-chocolate functions from the chocolate-making company. In that same year, Hershey Estates was created and assumed the responsibility of HIC and all non-chocolate businesses. Hershey Estates became part of the holdings for the benefit of the Milton Hershey's orphanage for boys. During the years of its existence, from 1927 to 1976, Hershey Estates oversaw 33 separate companies. They covered everything from A to Z—Abattoir to Zoo, birth to death—Hershey Hospital to Hershey Cemetery. Municipal government was not necessary – the Estates embodied the authority and tools to provide administrative oversight, services, and utilities required to manage a small but robust manufacturing community. They provided street lighting, repaired sidewalks, and roads, and made zoning decisions; they offered retail, service, and lodging opportunities; they operated an amusement park and a hockey team. Times change, and Hershey Estates had to change with them. Small privately owned utilities were a thing of the past. The Park was far from self-sustaining, and other divisions operating at a loss were a constant and increasing drain of the company’s funds—among them upkeep of local roads. In 1976, the Estates divested itself of everything except the local entertainment and resort entities. Hersheypark had been enclosed and re-created as a theme park. Attention was now focused on the promotion of Hotel Hershey, Hershey Motor Lodge, the Park, concerts, and hockey in the Sports Arena. A new name was warranted, and the company rebranded as HERCO, Inc. in 1998, then renamed Hershey Entertainment and Resorts (HE&R), which remains a privately held company for the benefit of the Milton Hershey School. A Town Lives From A-Z