The M.S. Hershey Foundation
Keeping the Town’s Story Alive
Milton Hershey dreamed big. He built a company, a community, and a legacy that stretched far beyond chocolate. What many visitors don’t realize is that there’s a quiet force at work making sure his vision continues to shape Hershey today: The M.S. Hershey Foundation.
If you’ve strolled through our rose gardens, caught a Broadway tour, or stepped into Chocolate Town, you’ve already experienced its work. The Foundation is behind some of Hershey’s most beloved cultural spaces—here’s how to explore them.
The Hershey Story: The Museum on Chocolate Avenue
Ever wonder how a caramel maker became a global icon? At The Hershey Story, you step directly into Milton and Catherine Hershey’s journey. Interactive exhibits trace the rise of the Hershey Company, while hands-on workshops and chocolate tastings bring the story to life for all ages.
📍 63 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033
📞 (717) 534-8939
Hershey Gardens
In 1937, Milton Hershey asked for “a nice garden of roses.” Today, that vision blooms into a 23-acre botanical wonder featuring themed gardens, seasonal displays, and the magical Butterfly Atrium inside the Conservatory. Hershey Gardens isn’t just a place to wander—it’s a living love letter to community and beauty.
📍 170 Hotel Rd, Hershey, PA 17033
📞 (717) 534-3492
Hershey Theatre
When the lights dim and the curtain rises, you’re sitting in the middle of Milton Hershey’s “Great Building Campaign.” Opened in 1933, the Hershey Theatre is a masterwork of design and today welcomes Broadway tours, concerts, comedy, and community performances. In 2022, The Hershey Company officially gifted the Theatre to the M.S. Hershey Foundation, ensuring this crown jewel remains a cultural hub for generations.
📍 15 E Caracas Ave, Hershey, PA 17033
📞 (717) 534-3405
Hershey Community Archives
Think of it as the town’s memory box. Established in 1984, the Hershey Community Archives preserves photos, letters, oral histories, and records that tell the full story of Milton Hershey, his enterprises, and the community he built. Scholars and visitors alike can schedule time to explore this treasure trove of local history.
📍 63 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033 (inside The Hershey Story)
📞 (717) 533-1777
The M.S. Hershey Foundation’s work is easy to overlook because it feels so natural—like Hershey has always had museums, gardens, and theatres at its heart. But every visit, every performance, every bloom is part of a larger story: keeping Milton Hershey’s dream of culture, education, and community alive.