The Hershey Story

The Hershey Story[edit | edit source]

The Hershey Story is a museum located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, dedicated to the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey, the founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company. The museum offers a comprehensive look into Hershey's life, his business ventures, and the town he built around his chocolate factory.

Early Life of Milton S. Hershey[edit | edit source]

Milton S. Hershey was born on September 13, 1857, in Derry Township, Pennsylvania. He had a modest upbringing and was apprenticed to a local candy maker at a young age. This early exposure to the confectionery business would shape his future career.

Founding of the Hershey Chocolate Company[edit | edit source]

In 1894, Hershey founded the Hershey Chocolate Company. He initially started producing caramel, but after a visit to the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, he became fascinated with chocolate making. He sold his caramel company and invested in new technology to mass-produce milk chocolate, which was previously a luxury item.

The Town of Hershey[edit | edit source]

Hershey didn't just build a factory; he built an entire town for his workers, known as Hershey, Pennsylvania. The town included homes, schools, and recreational facilities. It was Hershey's belief that happy workers were productive workers, and he took great care to provide for his employees' well-being.

The Hershey Story Museum[edit | edit source]

The Hershey Story museum was established to preserve and share the unique story of Milton S. Hershey and his impact on the confectionery industry. The museum features several exhibits that delve into Hershey's life, his business, and the town he built.

Exhibits[edit | edit source]

The museum's exhibits include the "Hershey: An Unwrapped Story," which tells the story of Hershey's life and career through his own words and personal items. The "Failures to Fortunes" exhibit showcases Hershey's early business failures and how they shaped his later success. The "Hershey Community" exhibit explores the town of Hershey and its development.

Legacy of Milton S. Hershey[edit | edit source]

Hershey's legacy extends beyond chocolate. He established the Milton Hershey School, a school for orphaned and disadvantaged children, and the Hershey Trust Company, which ensures the school's ongoing operation. His philanthropic efforts continue to impact the community and the confectionery industry.