The Hershey Story Museum is not just for chocoholics, but is also a destination for fans of American history and inspiring stories. Browse a variety of different interactive museum displays, which celebrate the world of candy and the remarkable man behind some of America's most famous sweets.
From Kisses to Reese’s Pieces, Hershey’s has been one of the leading names in American chocolate since the early 20th century. Milton Hershey, the company’s founder, launched his first venture in Philadelphiain1876, before establishing his now nationally renowned brand in the early 1900s.
Trace the story of Hershey’s life and the growth of the confectionery industry in the Hershey Museum Experience. Permanent exhibits look at different elements of his life and business, from the impact of advertising to creating the unique flavors that made Hershey’s chocolate so popular. The final exhibition looks at how the businessman turned his success into philanthropy, building theaters and gardens, even in the height of the Great Depression.
Get involved by using the interactive displays in each room of the museum. Working machines from Hershey's day, touchscreens and an I Spy booklet for children help visitors to engage with the story.
Create your own tasty souvenir in the Chocolate Lab. This hands-on area of the museum is a learning experience, where you are taught what makes chocolate so delicious. The themes of each chocolate lab change daily and have included classes on making chocolate reindeer to crafting your own multicolored bar.
The museum's first floor also hosts temporary exhibitions on a variety of cocoa-related topics. Visit multiple times to explore these changing features, which, in the past, has included a recreation of what it was like to work in a chocolate factory. Each exhibition is interactive and family-friendly.
The Hershey Story Museum is easy to find, as the street name gives it away head to Chocolate Avenue where there is free parking behind the museum. Purchase combination tickets for this and Hershey Gardens, which are about 30 minutes away on foot.
