Search Results

What we offer Explore the Hershey History Center We are open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10am to 3pm. The Hershey History Center (Home of the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society since 1991) provides a history of the Hershey community over the past 150 years . Explore the permanent exhibits at your own pace. Visitors can even enhance the museum experience by picking up a map for a self-guided digital audio tour for use with a mobile device, such as a smartphone. Kids age 7 to 12 can try our scavenger hunt-- a fun activity for all ages! 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. Adult Guided Tours Schedule a guided tour with a knowledgeable docent at the Hershey History Center, where we are happy to accommodate small adult groups looking for a personalized museum experience. Please send an email to info@hersheyhistory.org to schedule a tour, or if you have questions. School Field Trips and Homeschool Group Tours Looking for an educational visit for grade school level students? Guided and self-guided tours, and interactive learning activities are available by appointment. More information . Events Looking for somewhere to hold an event? See our RENTALS web page to submit an online form, and to find out about the facility rental at the Barnyard: perfect for weddings, graduation parties, and family gatherings. Your Visit LIBRARY & RESEARCH MUSEUM AUDIO TOUR (at the museum) GUIDED TOURS RENTALS

Hershey Bears Celebrating the Latest...Remembering the First A Scrapbook Memory - 1946 to 1947 Bunny Yorty Hershey Bears Calder Cup Champions - 1969 Did You Know? Ten years before the Bears won their first championship, on April 15, 1947, the Calder Cup was awarded for the first time to the Syracuse Stars. The trophy is named after Frank Calder, the inaugural president of the National Hockey League. Celebrating the 12th Championship for the Bears (2023), HHC volunteer Diane "Bunny" Yorty (nee Blinco) holds the Calder Cup, with the image of her dad, the first icon of the Bears franchise Lloyd Blinco, pictured second on the left. Lloyd "Bull" Blinco Many things get old...but something that never does, is bringing home "the Cup"! Several who wore the chocolate and white in the earliest years of Hershey Hockey Club's existence created an atmosphere and set the stage for what would become the AHL's most successful franchise. One such individual who would play in the 1930s, later go on to coach, and serve as general manager and president of the Bears was Lloyd "Bull" Blinco. His contributions to hockey were recognized by his being the first hockey player inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and in the inaugural class of the Bears HOF. From the hoisting of that first Calder Cup on April 15, 1947 to number twelve 76 years later, Hershey has established an unequalled level of success and accomplishment in the American Hockey League. Hershey swept Cleveland 4-0 in the opening round outscoring the Barons 24 to 3. In the finals, Hershey shut out Pittsburgh 4 - 0 in game one before losing the next 3. Then, facing elimination, the Bears, with superb goal-tending from Gordie Henry, came back to win the final 3 games and clinch their first of 13 Calder Cups. That's right...THIRTEEN!!! In those final 3 games, Henry shutdown the Hornets offense with shutouts in games 5 and 7 while the Chocolate and White outscored their opponents 10 to 1. Amazingly, Hershey shut out their opponents in 5 of their 11 post-season games. A second truly remarkable feat occurred in that 1947 Calder Cup run when another Gordie, left-winger Gordie Bruce, went into game 7 of the finals playing with as many cracked ribs as goals he had scored in the finals - 3. It looks like Gino Rozzini #20 (front row - 2nd from left) took a puck, stick, or fist to his right eye. Actually, newspaper reports of a game on March 2, 1947 against the Providence Reds state that, "Midway in the second period Eddie Bush of the Reds was banished from the game and charged with deliberately injuring Gino Rozzini in a wild scramble behind the Providence net. Rozzini was pushed into the wire screen and suffered a deep gash around the right eye." (Page last updated May 2025.) Gordie Henry (1948)

About us page for the Hershey History Center. Come visit, join, and be a part of celebrating our town's wonderful heritage. About HHC volunteers with Marianne Purdy, Board Director, far right. (Night at the Museum. October 2025.) Since 1991, the History Center has committed to the mission to preserve, promote, and interpret our community's heritage. Thanks to the contributions of local residents, businesses, and organizations, our ever-growing collection is a unique blend of artifacts, oral histories, and archival resources. Our Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff ensure the continuity of the mission and collections for generations to come. The History Center's museum provides authentic visual and interpretive exhibits, complemented by our archive and library resources which provide access to records and documents for research and education. Preservation programming enables community involvement by recognizing significant buildings, landmarks, and events in our shared history. The Hershey History Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization that is supported by membership and the generous donations of individuals, area businesses, and grants. Visit our donation page to make a contribution to help protect and preserve our unique history. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Hershey History Center is dedicated to preserve, promote, and interpret the history of Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hershey History Center has a volunteer Board of Directors who provide direction and support to the Executive Director and participate in articulating the HHC mission to our community and supporters. JOHN MARTIN PRESIDENT VICKI CALOIERO VICE PRESIDENT TED HERMAN SECRETARY BOB WATKINS TREASURER Directors Frank Battista Ray Brace John DeFrank Brian Kreider John Martin Susan Mittan Marianne Purdy Lou Verdelli Eileen Voyles Bob Watkins Ex-Officio Lisa Maloy, Executive Director Emeritus Members Joanne Curry Neil Fasnacht Kathleen Lewis OUR HISTORY Our location on Northeast Drive has a fascinating 200 year story in itself. Take a look at the interesting history of our building and our organization over the years. Read More

RALPH FIORE A Hershey Detective in the Early 1900s. FIRST INSTALLMENT Despite all the idyllic descriptions of Hershey offered up in local publications of the early 1900s, it would be foolhardy to think that there were no law breakers or evil forces at work in and around what some have referred to as the Sweetest Place On Earth. To that end, enter one Ralph A. Fiore. His efforts over 100 years ago brought a sense of justice and order to the local area, and documenting those efforts serves to recognize an amazing individual. As early as 1911, Milton S. Hershey understood the need for an officer of the peace. In the document below, he petitioned the Court of Common Pleas and "respectfully prays the Court" for the appointment of a police officer in Hershey Park. One such unidentified officer in uniform can be seen in this real photo postcard from as early as 1913. At least two news records indicate that Ralph Fiore himself would be appointed a "special" park policeman for Hershey Park for the 1916 and 1917 seasons. He also served as a detective for the Hershey Transit Company and Hershey Chocolate Company.

MR. HERSHEY'S ZOO PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN A 4-day session starting on [Date} [Time] The ZooAmerica we know today had its beginnings 119 years ago, when it was called the Hershey Zoo. In 1905, Franz Zinner, the original zookeeper of Hershey Zoo, gave Milton S. Hershey 12 prairie dogs that would form the foundation of the future zoo. A few years later, bears, birds, deer, and exotic animals such as lions, leopards, monkeys, and exotic birds were added. The Hershey History Center celebrates that long history this summer with a hands-on children’s program presented by Lori Mitchell. The program: Recommended for children ages 4-7. Join in fun and interactive crafts. (Materials provided.) Listen to stories to learn about the zoo created by Mr. Hershey. Program fee: $30 per child. (Member discount: $25.) Pre-registration is required. CLICK HERE. Snack provided. REGISTER MEET SOME OF THE ANIMALS FEATURED IN OUR STORY Click on an animal for fun facts! What is special about a lioness? The lioness works together with other lionesses to hunt and help rear the cubs. This allows them to get the most from their hard work, keeping them healthier and safer. Being smaller and lighter than males, lionesses are more agile and faster. During hunting, smaller females chase the prey toward the center of the hunting group. What is the zebu known for? Zebus help the farmer to pull a plow or a cart. They are sometimes riding animals. They give milk like cows on a dairy farm. Some small breeds such as the miniature zebu are also kept as pets. They have a hump like a camel's hump, which is used to store fat in hot, dry spells when access to food and water is limited. The porcupine The North American porcupine is one of the largest rodents found in North America, coming second to the North America beaver. The porcupine's most famous feature—the quill. Porcupines are covered in about 30,000 quills. Contrary to popular belief, porcupines do NOT shoot out their quills. And monkeys, too? Monkeys, like humans, have a unique set of fingerprints of their own. Most monkeys have tails. All monkeys have opposable thumbs that allow the fingers to grasp and handle objects, like in human hands. Crocodile or alligator? This is an alligator. Crocodiles have a narrower snout than an alligator. The American alligator is found in south Florida, among other places, and are native only to the United States and China. The prairie dog The prairie dog is a plant eating ground squirrel native to the grasslands of North America. It excavates elaborate systems of burrows in flat prairie lands and create “towns” comprised of thousands of animals. The burrows are easily identified because of the large mound of dirt surrounding the entrance, providing a vantage point to spot approaching predators as well as flood protection.

RALPH FIORE A Hershey Detective in the Early 1900s. FOURTH INSTALLMENT Apparently, Ralph liked parades. In May 1918, he proposed to Mr. Hershey that they should organize an Italian American Parade and that he would manage the entire event. The parade was a huge success, and everyone was very impressed at how coordinated the event was. That same year he organized the Scouts to parade for the sale of Liberty Bonds. Even the best sometimes slip up. At some point, it appears that Mr. Hershey gifted Ralph with the house at 46 East Areba Avenue for $1. When the Fiore family returned to Italy, Ralph sold the house to Fred Pronio. Ralph's children were Ida Fiore, born 1918 in Hershey, and her older brother Ralph and older sister Alma. News articles chronicle what must have been a harrowing experience for the family. In August of 1919, Ida's older brother accidentally shot her when she was just a year old. The injury was critical, but Ida survived. Eventually Ralph Fiore decided to move back to Italy with his family where he stayed and continued to raise his family.

RALPH FIORE A Hershey Detective in the Early 1900s. SECOND INSTALLMENT Marc Del Priore first contacted us in August of 2023, looking for information about his great grandfather, Ralph Fiore, who allegedly served as a police officer during the early days of the Hershey community. Marc visited HHC, launching early research efforts that proved fruitful and lead to a plethora of news articles chronicling the feats of his great grandfather between the years of 1915 and 1922. Early law enforcement efforts were vaguely familiar to us, but we had no idea of the scope of the success that this one individual attained. Marc provided census records and other documentary materials to substantiate his great grandfather's life in Hershey. Added to that material, Ralph's heroics are well documented in the news throughout his years in Hershey. Ralph's successful policing is first referenced in the Lebanon Daily News edition of December 3, 1915. Many successful exploits follow.

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.

George McClees George McClees and Bertha (1974) 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.

RALPH FIORE A Hershey Detective in the Early 1900s. THIRD INSTALLMENT Ralph's great grandson, Marc Del Priore, tells this about his great grandfather. "My great grandfather, Ralph Fiore, was an Italian immigrant who came to America for a new life. He eventually settled in the newly created town of Hershey, Pennsylvania. He became friends with Milton S. Hershey, who shared with Ralph his plan to create a town full of respect, family, and community. Mr. Hershey was a wonderful man and entrepreneur who loved to share and give back to his employees who worked in the town he built." Family lore claims Mr. Hershey asked Ralph to travel up and down the east coast to find other Italian Americans who would be interested in building the town of Hershey. Mr. Hershey knew that the Italians were very skilled craftsmen in working with stone and would be able to build a beautiful community. Mr. Hershey hired Ralph as a private detective and chief of police of the new town of Hershey. Ralph did an excellent job keeping the streets clean and safe for families and children. He not only watched over the town to make sure everyone was staying in line, but was also to make sure the people were having fun.

In collaboration with highly repurable tour agencies, Hershey History Center offers tours within the U.S., and international tours to places, such as Cuba and Colombia. Acerca de Tours Travel with the Hershey History Center Hershey History Center offers a guided tour to Cuba with Vive M á s Tours. Vive M á s Tours Vive Más Tours is one of the few U.S.-American small businesses that take travelers on trips to Cuba and Colombia. Based in Colorado and run by mother-daughter duo Jenny and Rachel Desmond, who offer small group tours designed with the active 55+ traveler in mind that are no-hassle, authentic, and So. Much. FUN. Perfect for solo travelers or couples, their small group tours are your entry to authentic local culture. From savoring delicious cuisine to enjoying lively rhythms, explore historical landmarks and hidden countryside gems while supporting small businesses. Visit Cuba. Coming in April 2027.

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.