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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.
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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.
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Welcome!
HILLSBORO, VA - HOMES AND GARDENS DAY TRIP
On Monday, April 22, visit the historic town of Hillsboro, Virginia.
Join us a walking route from the Visitor Center to experience four beautifully preserved homes & gardens. An afternoon winery visit closes out our day in Loudon County, Virginia Wine Country, before we head for home!
Sorry, registration is now closed. (As of 4/16/24.)
HERSHEY ARTFEST
Saturday, May 11. 9:00am to 4:00pm. At the Englewood Barn, 1219 W. End Ave, Hershey, PA 17036.
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Hershey Artfest is hosted by the Hershey History Center, featuring a selection of artists, food, and music. Celebrating Mother's Day weekend, this is a lovely start to the spring art festival season. Hershey Artfest is a fine art and artisan show that will host over 100 juried and non-juried exhibitors, and will include food vendors and multiple entertainment events. Read more.
JOHNNY O'BRIEN - FEATURED AUTHOR
Author of "Semisweet: An Orphan's Journey Through the School the Hersheys Built"
Thursday, May 16 at 6:00pm
Attend an IN-PERSON program to hear Johnny O'Brien's story.
Johnny O’Brien, an orphan who lived at the school growing up, helped to lead the successful alumni protest. In a shocking turn of events, he was then selected to become Milton Hershey School’s eighth president and tasked with restoring the mission, morale, and character-building culture of “the Home.” He would need all his orphan resilience, Princeton and Johns Hopkins wisdom, and his good friends, to transform this unusual and remarkable school. Read more.
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We would appreciate an RSVP for the benefit of attaining a headcount. To register your intent to attend, please click the button. We also encourage you to consider an admission donation of $5.00. Thank you.
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*Special for members, Hershey Estates exhibit Open House honoring J. Bruce McKinney following the program.
THE LABOR MOVEMENT IN HERSHEY: THE 1937 STRIKE...
Thursday, May 30 at 6:00pm | Presented by Louis Paioletti
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This year marks the 87th anniversary of one of the most significant events in Derry Township history, an event which made national headlines.
On April 2, 1937, workers at the Hershey Chocolate Corporation, many who were Italian immigrants and who had recently formed a union, went on strike as a result of, among other factors, very low wages and poor and hostile working conditions. The sit-down strike, poorly coordinated and hastily executed, came to a halt on April 7, when company loyalists, farmers, and paid strikebreakers, allegedly orchestrated by the company, stormed the factory with weapons and brutally beat the workers, ejecting them from the plant while continuing to beat them as they walked through a gauntlet.
Lou most recently presented on this topic as a guest lecturer at a Penn State grad class and will be giving his fascinating and detailed research presentation with newly added material — filled with oral histories, photos, and unique personal stories on May 30.
JAZZ AT THE BARNYARD
First Friday of the month. June to September.
Bring your lawn chairs and BYOB for LIVE jazz under the stars with 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. 7:00pm - 10:00pm
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Friday, June 7
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Friday, July 5
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Friday, August 2
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Friday, September 6
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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
Hover on a photo to show the Pause and Play buttons to stop the slideshow for a closer look.
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.
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Members of the Hershey History Center receive 10% discount off purchases.
OTHER MUSEUMS OF INTEREST
Hummelstown Historical Society
Pennsylvania Historical Museum
Gettysburg National Military Park
Lebanon County Historical Society
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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