This exciting museum features a wide range of interesting, educational and beautifully displayed exhibits that people of all ages will enjoy. Famous for his chocolates, Milton Hershey made his first fortune manufacturing caramels in Lancaster. Prior to that he had experienced failures as a candy maker in Philadelphia and New York. He later sold his caramel manufacturing business to dedicate himself to making chocolates.

Mr. Hershey's entrepreneurial spirit is vividly demonstrated through exhibits at the Museum. From his daring move in locating his new chocolate factory on farmland near his place of birth, to his establishment of a town in 1903 to accommodate his workers, to the creation of a school for disadvantaged children, the life of Milton Hershey and his dramatic impact upon so many people is presented here in fine fashion.

Visitors will also enjoy an outstanding collection of Pennsylvania German furniture, ceramics, textiles, and folk art that illustrates the settlement and growth of South Central Pennsylvania and Milton Hershey's heritage.

A diverse Native American collection explores Indians from the Eastern Woodlands, Great Plains, the Southwest, North Pacific Coast and Alaska through displays of clothing, tools, pottery, baskets, and ceremonial objects. These early cultures come to life for all to appreciate.

Other exhibits include a Conestoga wagon, firefighting equipment from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and a display called Victorian America: The Middle Class at Home 1875-1900. Other, temporary, exhibits change three times per year. Call for a calendar.

The Hershey Museum is a very special place for School Groups. Hands-On Guided Tours include, to name a few, Native American Cultures (all grades): tour of the Indian Galleries gives students a chance to try pump and bow drills, pound corn and soften deer skin; Early Firefighting: a participatory skit; and Food, Clothing and Shelter (1 & 2): how people long ago provided these necessities. Children set up a tipi, taste Southwestern Indian food and more. Many other programs are available. Tours last about 1¼ hours.

Activity Sessions are 2-hour programs allowing even greater participation. Eastern Woodlands Indians (grades 3 and up), Eskimos, and Daily Life in 18th and 19th Century Pennsylvania are three of five programs offered. Hour-long Scavenger Hunts are also available for elementary grade levels. Students learn by finding various objects.

The Museum also offers a wide variety of Classroom Presentations, and educators can rent Hershey Kits with touchable artifacts, audiotapes and other teaching aids.