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  • HOME | hersheyhistory

    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

  • George McClees | hersheyhistory

    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.

  • Rotating Exhibits | hersheyhistory

    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 | hersheyhistory

    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

  • Personal & Family Membership | hersheyhistory

    PERSONAL AND FAMILY MEMBERSHIP As a membership supported, non-profit history center, member contributions provide necessary support for the operation of our museum, historical archives, community research, as well as funds for educational programming. Connect to your roots and invest in our town's history by becoming a member. ​ ​ Personal & Family Benefits of Membership: ​​ Free admission to the museum Early invitations to special events and member programs Special access and/or discounts on fee-based programs and ticket sales Reduced travel fees on all motor-coach tours sponsored by HHC Use of research library, and photos and documents archive without fees 10% discount in museum store (consignment items excluded) Preferred "Members Only" rate on Community Room and Barnyard rental ​ YOU MAY PAY BY CREDIT CARD OR PAYPAL. ​ Membrship/Renewal Individual Membership/Renewal $35 Family Membership/Renewal $50 Family members include adult household members and children under 19. ​ Patron $100-$2 9 9 ​ Founder $300-$499 ​​​ Benefactor $500+ ​ ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Estate and Heritage Contributions Consider making a contribution with a long-term benefit to the History Center, ensuring your legacy and helping to preserve the future of our history. Learn More

  • Italy: A Southern Journey | hersheyhistory

    Acerca de ITALY: A SOUTHERN JOURNEY Early Civilizations & Ports Cultural & Archeological Preservation Coastal Vistas & “Island T ime” ​ SO LD OUT! ​ If you are interested in another tour, please send an email to info@hersheyhistory.org To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. October 27 to November 10, join your tour host, Vicki Caloiero, in a 14 day (13 nights) tour of Southern Italy, traveling breathtaking scenic coastline by road and by ferry to experience bella italia ! Your adventure consists of guided walking tours, excursions by boat, leisurely rides, and plenty of free time to visit historic sites, and to sample many culinary, cultural, natural, and architectural delights of this beautiful region. Take half day cruises, try thermal baths, walk about towns, relax on the beach, rent a bike, SHOP! Even tour a winery perched on an “ex crater” of Mt. Etna. After arrival in Rome, begin your adventure in Palermo. Then over the next two weeks, explore Tripani, Agrigento, Taormina, and Alberobello. The group will travel west to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Amalfi coastline with a stop at Pompeii before moving on to Sorrento and Ischia. The tour concludes in the intriguing city of Naples, a place of captivating architecture, rich history, and mouth-watering culinary traditions. ​ Italy: A Southern Journey is a tour not to be missed! ​ — Pompeii Walk the streets of ancient Pompeii, nestled along the coast of Italy in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, still an active volcano. Its most famous eruption took place in the year 79 A.D., when it buried the city of Pompeii under a thick carpet of volcanic ash. — Benanti Winery Visit the Benanti winery, a nineteenth-century estate, located on Mount Etna, “an island within the island” of Sicily.

  • Derry Before Hershey | hersheyhistory

    DERRY BEFORE HERSHEY To begin the virtual audio tour for this exhibit, please click the Play button. Derry Before Hershey 00:00 / 01:32

  • Hershey Bears: A Scrapbook Memory | hersheyhistory

    Hershey Bears Celebrating the Latest...Remembering the First A Scrapbook Memory - 1946 to1947 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 im age 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 12 Calder Cups. That's right...TWELVE!!! 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." Gordie Henry (1948)

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