Hershey History Center

Hershey History Center Nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve, promote and interpret history in the Hershey and Derry Township area since 1991.

Home of the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society

🥳 On September 13, 1936, Milton S. Hershey celebrated his 79th birthday at a banquet held on the grounds of the Hotel He...
08/28/2026

🥳 On September 13, 1936, Milton S. Hershey celebrated his 79th birthday at a banquet held on the grounds of the Hotel Hershey, with the Reservoir serving as the backdrop.

In the photograph, Milton Hershey is seated at the center table, dressed in a white suit.

🤔 I wonder what was on the menu? The Hotel Hershey chef probably prepared one of Mr. Hershey’s favorite dishes. Any guesses as to what that might have been? Please leave your guess in the comments!

Milton Snavely Hershey was born on September 13, 1857, and passed away on October 13, 1945.

Jazz at the Barnyard | September 4. Performance by Third Stream from 7-9pm. Barnyard opens at 6pm. Free admission. Hersh...
08/28/2026

Jazz at the Barnyard | September 4. Performance by Third Stream from 7-9pm. Barnyard opens at 6pm. Free admission. Hershey History Center is located at 40 Northeast Drive, Hershey, PA 17033.

🍱Make the evening extra special with a delicious individual charcuterie box from MJ Luxury Charcuterie, Picnics & Events ♡. Please pre-order your box online at https://pci.jotform.com/form/262376336399066. Pick up your charcuterie box at the Barnyard at the event.

The evening features a preview of a photography exhibition by John Martin Photography. Through the Lens of Hershey.

Thank you to Lesher Natural Stone, Quartz, & Tile—our event sponsor, and to Hidden Still Spirits🥃. Please bring lawn chairs and BYOB, although beverages will be available to purchase.

Hershey Artfest

Looking back to an early team photo of the 🏒🥅Hershey Bears—1942-1943 season, during which the Bears won the American Hoc...
08/27/2026

Looking back to an early team photo of the 🏒🥅Hershey Bears—1942-1943 season, during which the Bears won the American Hockey League (AHL) Eastern Division regular-season title with a strong record of 35 wins, 13 losses, and 8 ties (78 points).

Listed below are the players.

Standing - l-r - J.B. Sollenberger - Manager, Joe Levandoski, Tony Graboski, Roger Jenkins, Fred Hergert, Tom Sharkey - trainer, Harry Frost, Johnny Sorrell, Johnny Fitzgerald, Billy Moe, Cooney Weiland - Coach - Kneeling - Virgil Johnson, Henry Lauzon, Wally Kilrea, Nick Damore , Peggy O’Neill, Frank Daley, Tom Depew.

🏫If you want to read more about the early years of ice hockey in Hershey, go to our website. https://www.hersheyhistory.org/hershey-bears-and-the-sports-arena-history

Step into the beauty of our hometown with Through the Lens of Hershey: Photography by John Martin, a new special exhibit...
08/26/2026

Step into the beauty of our hometown with Through the Lens of Hershey: Photography by John Martin, a new special exhibit hosted in the lower-level Community Room at the Hershey History Center!

📸Known for capturing the unique charm, landscape, and architectural character of Hershey, John Martin’s stunning collection features framed photos, canvas prints, and exclusive photographic displays.

John Martin Photography will exhibit during Jazz at the Barnyard on Friday, September 4, 6-9pm, with live music by 🎸Third Stream (sponsored by Lesher Natural Stone, Quartz, & Tile, and Hidden Still Spirits), and on Gallery Day, Saturday, September 5 from 10am to 3pm.

Tucked inside the garden at the entrance of the Hershey History Center stands a remarkable piece of local craftsmanship:...
08/25/2026

Tucked inside the garden at the entrance of the Hershey History Center stands a remarkable piece of local craftsmanship: the brownstone arch carved by stonemason Antonio Sevastio. Salvaged from his original property in Waltonville, an early settlement in Derry Township in the late 1880s, this arch now serves as the symbolic cornerstone of our mission to preserve, interpret, and promote the rich history of Derry Township.

Hidden History: Before its rescue, the arch was almost completely lost to time—buried under poison ivy, dense briars, and nearly 80 years of wild overgrowth.

A Precision Puzzle: After clearing the site, traditional chalk markings weathered away too fast to rely on, so the team marked every stone using durable surveyor’s tape before carefully disassembling the structure.

Master Craftsmanship: Local brownstone mason Lloyd McCorkel stepped up to lead the reconstruction. Armed with precise measurements taken at the original Waltonville site, Lloyd—with hands-on help from his wife, Doris—expertly reset the arch.

Engineered to Last: To ensure structural integrity and prevent the base from “kicking out” over time, additional ballast stones were installed outside the foundation on each side.

Completed in 2003, this labor of love stands tall today thanks to dedicated community preservation. Next time you visit the Hershey History Center, take a moment to walk through history! 🏛️✨

Since 2009, the Hershey History Center has brought together more than 750 travelers from 25+ states to honor the legenda...
08/24/2026

Since 2009, the Hershey History Center has brought together more than 750 travelers from 25+ states to honor the legendary “Men of Easy Company” (101st Airborne), led by longtime Hershey local, Major Richard “Dick” Winters. In September 2027, we’re hitting the road again for an unforgettable journey tracing the Allies’ liberation route across Western Europe on its 83rd anniversary.

2027 Tour Dates:

Monday, September 13 – Monday, September 27, 2027

Ready to join this extraordinary trip? Sign up for one of our upcoming Zoom info sessions to get the scoop on the itinerary and tour package—plus ask any questions you have. Once you register, we’ll email your Zoom link right away.

We can’t wait to share this incredible experience with you!

🔗 Please sign up for a link to the information sessions via Zoom.

Thursday, September 17 at 10am
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-4TO4ektRue_9J4yLs1v2Q #/registration

Monday, September 21 at 6pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/S4Iq-2vYScKcJ4h7SZXP-A #/registration

Calling all history buffs and architectural heritage enthusiasts. Patriot Homes: Houses that Witnessed the American Revo...
08/24/2026

Calling all history buffs and architectural heritage enthusiasts. Patriot Homes: Houses that Witnessed the American Revolution is a Hershey History Center program on Wednesday, September 9 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Join local historian and author Deborah Hershey for a fascinating presentation exploring the homes that remained standing and occupied during the American Revolution. Through historic photographs, stories, and period images, Deborah will highlight remarkable homes and the people who lived through this pivotal chapter in our nation’s history.

This is an in-person program, but you may register to access the live stream. See our website for a link at hersheyhistory.org. The program is free! Please consider a donation to support future programs such as this. 100% of your donation goes to our mission. Thank you.​

Jazz at the Barnyard | Third Stream 🎸🪊🎹🥁Friday, September 4 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pmJoin us under the stars at the Hershey Hi...
08/21/2026

Jazz at the Barnyard | Third Stream 🎸🪊🎹🥁
Friday, September 4 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Join us under the stars at the Hershey History Center’s Barnyard for the last live jazz concert in our summer series! Barnyard opens at 6pm. Be sure to arrive early to secure a spot. Bring along your lawn chairs and your favorite drinks, as the event is BYOB. Hidden Still Spirits will be on site offering a variety of beverages for sale.

Thank you to the event sponsor - Lesher Natural Stone, Quartz, & Tile.

🙏❤️❤️❤️ Thank you to everyone who registered to donate blood today at the American Red Cross Blood Donors blood drive at...
08/21/2026

🙏❤️❤️❤️ Thank you to everyone who registered to donate blood today at the American Red Cross Blood Donors blood drive at the Hershey History Center (HHC). Your generosity will save many lives.

To save time, please submit the online Rapid Pass Health Check before your appointment. And present photo ID at check in at the HHC. Thanks!

https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/manage-my-donations/rapidpass.html

All appointments have been filled but walk-in donations may be accommodated.

Last night at the Hershey History Center, Don “Stone” Kensinger presented a very engaging program on Navajo rugs and a c...
08/20/2026

Last night at the Hershey History Center, Don “Stone” Kensinger presented a very engaging program on Navajo rugs and a connection with Mount Gretna. Some of the audience even brought their own rugs to share. Thank you to “Stone” for the many wonderful histories on this topic, and for shining a light on a beautiful Native American cultural heritage.

Address

40 Northeast Drive
Hershey, PA
17033

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+17175200748

Website

, , , htt

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Hershey History Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share