Hershey Derry Township Historical Society

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FROM B'ARS TO BEARS" HISTORICAL EXHIBIT OPENS

January 22, 2013, HERSHEY PA—In honor of the Hershey Bears 75th anniversary, the Historical Society will formally present its newest exhibit, From B'ars to Bears: A Chocolate and White History of Hockey on Saturday, February 16, 2013 from 5-7pm at the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society, located at 40 Northeast Drive, Hershey PA.mather

Celebrating the history of our community's hockey franchise, the exhibit presents a display of historical objects ranging from the inception of the B'ars—the franchises' first given name—through the present day Bears franchise. From pucks and programs to the original ice re-surfacer used pre-game, the Historical Society's Bears' collection represents over 80 years of Hershey hockey and the notable personalities who helped to create the chocolate-town legacy.

A reception featuring guest speakers—including Bears' alum—will also be held during the event in an effort to share the rich oral histories of those closely associated with the franchise.

"The stories these ex-players and coaches share with the attendees are truly remarkable," stated Nicole Soliday of the Historical Society. "I've learned a great deal about the Bears and hockey in general as I've listened to these men share their remarkable experiences."

The Bears are the seventh oldest continuously operating professional ice hockey organization in North America, having entered the Tri-State Hockey League in 1932 as the Hershey B'ars. The current-day Bears are affiliated with the NHL's Washington Capitals and have won a record 11 Calder Cup titles in the American Hockey League.

The exhibit is free of charge. The suggested reception donation is $15. Please RSVP by February 13, 2013 by calling the Historical Society at 717-520-0748 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Winter 2012

Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society Reaches New Fundraising High at Annual Preservation Dinner

The Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society is pleased to announce that its annual Preservation Dinner at the historic Hersheypark Arena last month raised a record amount of money to support the Society's mission.2011 HDTHS Preservation Dinner - Dec. 2, 2011 - Hersheypark Arena

"We raised more than $32,000, all of which will be used to further our mission of maintaining our community's heritage and providing access to our education programs and services," said Nicole Soliday, executive director of the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society. "We are so grateful for the support of the more than 500 people who attended after we rescheduled twice due to the flood and a snowstorm" she added.

The fundraising event, "A Night at the Old Barn" featured cocktails, dinner, silent auction, tours of Hersheypark Arena and moving presentations that chronicled the history of the Arena. The keynote speaker was legendary sports commentator and former Hershey resident, Mike Emrick, who is noted mostly for his work in ice hockey.

Hersheypark Arena was honored for its preservation and ongoing use in the community and the Battista home on East Granada Avenue received the Residential Preservation Award.

Mike EmrickSponsors for the event included Hershey Entertainment & Resort Company, WGAL-TV, JPL, Penn Waste, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Alex and Claudette Roca, Milton Hershey School, Your Financial Community, Morgan Stanley, Members First and Giant Food Stores.

A commemorative DVD of the videos shown at the event is available for purchase at the Society for $20. The videos include a retrospective look at the storied history of the Arena and interviews from key members of the community.

Nominations for the 2012 Preservation Awards are accepted now through June 15, 2012. The Historical Society will announce its plans for this year's event in the next few months.

For more information on the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society and to nominate a residence for this year's award, please visit www.HersheyHistory.org or call 717.520.0748.

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Note: Additional photos are available upon request. Photo credit: Michael Feldser.

Pictured: Former Hershey Bears legend Willie Marshall and Mike "Doc" Emrick

 

Spring 2011

HDTHS Board member Dave Bowser stands with MHS grad Walker Ross-Fudge, ’11, at a Homestead ceremony celebrating Walker’s Eagle Scout service project, installing commemorative pavers at the historical society museum.

 

David Bowser and Walker Ross-Fudge, MHS'11 and Eagle Scout