Search Results

Giving Operations Programs Museum & Library Museum Management Program Management Event Production Preservation Award Program Gift Shop & Inventory Public Awareness Programs Museum Exhibits Collections Management Photo Archives Archival Resources Maintenance and Facility Management

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. ​ The Hershey History Center's Mission is to preserve, promote, and interpret the history of Hershey and Derry Township. What better way to assist in preserving the heritage of our town than by offering a legacy gift, commemorating your long-term contribution or the contribution of a loved one? Your planned gift can take the form of a bequest, retirement plan assets, charitable gift or a charitable remainder trust. You also have the option of a charitable gift during your lifetime. ​ The Hershey History Center will ensure your planned gift is used to accomplish our Mission, taking the necessary steps to honor your contribution and guaranteeing that your wishes are fulfilled. ​ Contact us: Please contact our Executive Director, Nikki Soliday, at 717-520-0748 to discuss your consideration of a legacy gift to the History Center.

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 a nd 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.

OUR WEDDING PACKAGE PLEASE NOTE: The Hershey History Center's facility rental is open to the public. Membership is NOT required. Hershey History Center is a perfect venue for your perfect day. Hosting your wedding is our pleasure. Let our wedding package make your special day amazing! Every wedding has a story. It begins with you and your loved one. Let us help you achieve the most wonderful wedding possible. At the Hershey History Center, we can make your wedding dreams come true. 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. ​ Ample outdoor space for up to 125 persons Indoor meeting space 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...

VIDEO RECORDINGS Hershey History Center Presentations Hidden History with Professor Robert P. Watson. August 16, 2024.

VIRTUAL TOUR INTRODUCTION Thank you for visiting the Hershey History Center. To access the virtual audio tour, please scan the QR codes as you move through the exhibits. Click the Play button to begin the tour. Virtual Tour Introduction 00:00 / 00:38

THE PRESENCE OF THE LAW To begin the virtual audio tour for this exhibit, please click the Play button. The Presence of the Law 00:00 / 01:02

JAZZ AT THE BARNYARD Bring your lawn chairs and BYOB for our summer series of LIVE jazz under the stars. Enjoy an eclectic mix of jazz musicians and vocalists in the Hershey History Center's Barnyard. Free and open to everyone. Four unique performances presenting a variety of jazz styles on the first Friday of the month from June to September. Friday, June 7 Quiet Soul Duo (Sponsored by ACCORD restoration) Friday, July 5 Amanda Sachs Group (Sponsored by Hidden Still Spirits) Friday, Aug. 2 The Wave Quartet (Sponsored by Decade of Champions) Friday, Sept. 6 Little Brother Band (Sponsored by Lesher Natural Stone, Quartz, and Tile) ​ All concerts are from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. ​ Please note: All Jazz at the Barnyard events are held rain or shine. Bands may be temporarily relocated inside due to unique weather conditions, though there is limited indoor space for patrons. ​ In the event of inclement weather, a decision to cancel or postpone the event will be made based on apparent public safety concerns no later than 5:30 pm and posted to the Hershey History Center’s social media platforms. Facebook and Instagram . QUIET SOUL DUO Friday, June 7 AMANDA SACHS GROUP Friday, July 5 THE WAVE QUARTET Friday, Aug. 2 LITTLE BROTHER BAND Friday, Sept 6

To PRESERVE , Promote, and Interpret The mission of the Hershey History Center is to preserve, promote, and interpret the history of our town. According to the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, Hershey is unlike most traditional communities, as it was designed as a company town. ​ In the early 20th century, with company employees and their families in mind, the Corporation and subsidiary developers devised a village core designed to accommodate automobiles right from the start with access to the downtown. Other similar towns from that era were concentrated along streetcar corridors, miles away from the town center. The juxtaposition of 20th century housing stock, embodying the diverse architectural designs of the time period, just blocks from the historic corporate headquarters and downtown business district, defines our distinct character. ​ In America, many small towns are facing a crisis by losing their historical building presence and context. It is through the historic buildings and homes of a town that we witness and pay tribute to its cultural heritage. In Hershey, the demolition of buildings and homes has become a familiar practice. ​ The Hershey History Center endeavors to support Derry Township in preserving and protecting the architectural and cultural integrity of our town. We want to work with the community and the Township to define the boundaries of the downtown village core and develop a Preservation Review Committee. The intention is to avert rapid demolition and facilitate review and recommendations to sustain our town’s architectural heritage. ​ This is not a proposal to mandate certain use of materials or regulate paint colors and design elements for properties, as you find in a historic district. This is a proposal to prevent demolition and broad-scale rebuilds that do not reflect the historical character of the community, and that presently require no review. The intent is to raise awareness that the character of our downtown neighborhoods need to be preserved and that doing so protects the value of all properties. ​ The preservation of old buildings and homes is a one-way street; there is no chance to renovate or save a historic structure once it is gone. The process of improving historic preservation in Hershey, thereby protecting our town’s character, is a complex process that requires the work of many dedicated individuals acting in unity. ​ Join us by lending your support to further the dialogue and halt the rapid alterations to our community’s streetscapes, and help us to preserve the future of our history. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Sign Our Petition First Name Last Name Email Initials Sign Petition Thank you for helping to preserve the future of our history!

LA FESTA ITALIANA FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES 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. About the Event Saturday, December 7 | 5pm to 9pm BUY TICKETS History of the Feast of the Seven Fishes The Feast is a cherished Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition, deeply rooted in Southern Italian culture where it's known as “La Vigilia” (meaning “Eve” in Italian). This grand seven-course meal, abundant in seafood, symbolizes the observance of the traditional abstention from meat until Christmas Day. ​ The Event La Festa Italiana: The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a fundraiser for the Hershey History Center that will be both heart-warming and elegant. We hope you will gather friends and family to celebrate this fun-filled evening with us. By supporting this event, you help the museum continue its mission to preserve local history; one which values our treasured Italian American heritage. The feast begins with a variety of delicious hors d'oeuvres, served between 5pm and 6pm, as you enjoy bidding on various silent auction items. Live music will be played throughout the evening, provided by Joe Caliva and Erin Echo Austin, guitar and vocals. At 6pm, the feast of seven scrumptious seafood courses will be served. The experience includes an aperitivo and digestivo . Everything will be home made with the finest ingredients. Please BYOB. The event will be held on both levels of the Hershey History Center. Seating is limited at this small and intimate event, so please purchase your tickets early to avoid disappointment. ​ Dietary note Seafood and shellfish will be served. Sorry, no gluten-free available. ​ Preservation Awards will be presented. ​ Thank you to the event sponsors.