Milton Hershey didn’t just build a factory in the town that bears his name. He built a community.
He chose this area for practical reasons—its proximity to dairy farms, available land, and good rail transportation. But he also had sentimental reasons: this was his birthplace. For nearly 40 years, Milton Hershey devoted himself to creating a gracious, enriching, and congenial home for his employees, for tourists, and for himself.
Other exhibits explore varied aspects of Hershey, Pennsylvania. They trace its lavish architecture, much of it inspired by Milton and Kitty Hershey’s travels abroad, as well as the Hershey mansion and life in the factory. Displays also spotlight Hersheypark and other attractions that made the “Sweetest Place on Earth” a truly extraordinary community.
Milton Hershey’s most enduring legacy may be Milton Hershey School, which nurtures children in social and financial need. Through a moving video, visitors will hear about the School from those who understand it best: students and alumni whose lives it continues to change.
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Hear Hershey residents talk about living, working
and playing in Hershey, Pennsylvania
Oral histories from the Hershey Community Archives Collection
Mr. Wolf describes his encounter with a famous actress when the Hershey Baseball team played against the team from Harry James Orchestra.
Thomas Wolf (oral history, Hershey Community Archives 2006OH19)
Ms. Mehrmann recalls her childhood love of the Hershey Library.
Jaymee Mehrmann (oral history, Hershey Community Archives 2006OH12)
Mr. Simione and his childhood friends visit the chocolate factory.
Frank Simione (oral history, Hershey Community Archives 93OH02)
Ms. Bobb describes life in Hershey during World War II.
Alma Bobb (oral history, Hershey Community Archives, 88OH01)
Mr. Smith talks about the old swimming pool at Hershey Park.
Robert Smith (oral history, Hershey Community Archives 90OH07)
Ms. Heisy Baum describes how she got a job with the Hershey Bank.
Betty Heisey Baum (oral history, Hershey Community Archives 91OH11)
Mr. Garman talks about the time he caddied for Milton S. Hershey!
Francis Garman (oral history, HCA 90OH03)
Mr. Hughes recounts how he was hired as the keeper at Hershey Zoo.
Raleigh Hughes (oral history, Hershey Community Archives, 90OH13)
Ms. Bonawitz describes working in the chocolate factory.
Mary Bonawitz (oral history, Hershey Community Archives 96OH08)
Mr. Booth talks about working for the Hershey Lumber Company.
George Booth (oral history, Hershey Community Archives, 89OH16)
