a visit to The Hershey Story chocolate museum
In previous posts, I have highlighted an overview of the Hershey, Pennsylvania experience and the Hershey Trust, introduced you to some of the area’s finest hotels, and included a visit to the Hershey Gardens. In this post, I’d like to take you to the Hershey Story, a museum devoted to the Hershey Chocolate Company–the largest chocolate manufacturer in North America–and Milton S. Hershey, the man who founded it in 1894.
This captivating mural of Milton S. Hershey and children of the Hershey School is displayed at the Hershey Story Chocolate Museum on Chocolate Avenue in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The mural is done in the “Trompe-l’oeil” style.
As I’ve mentioned before, every chocolate museum is different. Some focus exclusively on geographic regions, some primarily on the history of cacao and chocolate, and others on the equipment used to make chocolate moulds and chocolates.
the hershey story is a chocolate museum and tribute to the man who made chocolate accessible to the american public
Opened to the public in January, 2009 and formally titled The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, The Hershey Story focuses primarily on the personal journey of Milton Hershey–from a child raised in the strict discipline of the Mennonite faith in small-town Pennsylvania, to the failures and successes of the talented entrepreneur who found a way to make chocolate accessible and affordable to all. It is a truly fascinating facility, and I would highly recommend a half-day visit to see the museum exhibits, partake in The Tastings, and make your own bar in The Chocolate Lab.
It was so much fun tasting six different shooters of warm chocolate drinks featuring different origins of cacao in The Tastings room at The Hershey Story. We tried a 75% Tanzanian (East Africa), a 72% Venezuelan (South America), a 66% Mexican, a 40% Ghanan (West Africa), a 33% Java (Indonesia), and a 33% signature Hershey blend featuring local Pennsylvania milk. I loved the 75% Tanzanian, which featured an intense fruitiness coupled with floral notes.
The Chocolate Lab is a fun and educational activity at The Hershey Story at which you learn about chocolate origins and can create your own customized chocolate bar.
Hershey Chocolate has been the American favourite since Milton Hershey opened his chocolate/candy factory in 1905. It took two years to complete the massive facility, but Hershey Chocolate quickly became a hit and has remained a sentimental favourite with many chocolate lovers throughout the generations.
These giant silos were built to house the cocoa beans that Milton Hershey used to make his delicious Hershey Chocolate.
But just what makes Hershey Chocolate so good, and so different?
Milton Hershey invented the double condensed milk process that gives Hershey Chocolate its unique taste. Only fresh milk from local farms is used to make Hershey milk chocolate. The milk goes through a special processing that increases its butyric acid content. This creates a unique flavour and texture in the chocolate–so much so that other companies have been known to add extra butyric acid to their chocolate to try and replicate the Hershey flavour. Who knew?
This milk condensing cart exhibit at The Hershey Story was the secret to Milton Hershey’s special milk chocolate.
The Hershey’s Golden Almond Bars are the luxury brand of Hershey chocolate bars made with super silky milk chocolate.
Visit this website to see all the different chocolate and candy products that Hershey produces.
Oh how I wish I could eat chocolate and down some shooters. I’m not sure I could stand the temptation but it sure looks intriguing!
A visit to Hershey is every chocolate lover’s dream, Karen. There is every temptation imaginable! I hope you get to check it out soon. Thx for checking out my blog. 🙂
Hi,
……..I can never say no to chocolate museums, factories and tours Hershey chocolates seem to have the kind of taste that I love……Thank You
Hello,
I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!! Learning more about the history of chocolates is amazing information!
Thanks
Chocolates makes my day and this article of yours too have. I would love visiting and learning at Hershey story. The shooters look interesting and those cocoa storage towers are huge. I felt that mural too is really beautiful
Awesome! Nothing like a tour of a chocolate factory! Great history lesson too. I’m sure the samples were delicious!
Hello, Mike, and welcome to my site. The Hershey Story is not a chocolate factory. It is a chocolate museum and learning facility. But yes, they do indeed provide some delicious samples.
For some reason, whenever I watched Charlie and the Chocolate factory, Hersheys is what I could relate to. Now after reading this post, I so know that is true. It was quite interesting to read abt it
Hi Ami. I think that The Hershey Story Museum shows us that there is a social conscience to the Hershey Chocolate Company. That Milton Hershey was interested in building a community that would helps change the lives of children and their families through the opportunities that his school created, and the community program that his Trust has founded and supported.
I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!! Learning more about the history of Hershey’s chocolates is amazing information, too! Now I feel a bit more enriched whenever I put another piece of chocolate in my mouth :p
That’s part of my goal, Isabel– to educate people about chocolate and give them a greater level of appreciation when they indulge in it. 🙂 Thx for stopping by.
What a fascinating museum. The Hershey story museum is definitely a must visit for all chocolate lovers. I am sure a visit in itself would be a homage of sorts to the Man who brought chocolate to all of us. The mural of Hershey with the children is so lifelike, couldn’t take my eyes off it.
Hi Sandy and thanks for your comment. Indeed. That mural of Milton Hershey and the children is the epitome of his giving and nurturing spirit, and his love for children.
I can never say no to chocolate museums, factories and tours 🙂 Hershey chocolates seem to have the kind of taste that I love. I would definitely want to visit here. What a wonderful time you had
Hi Neha. I must say that visiting the town of Hershey and learning all about the Hershey Story really opened my eyes as to how and why this band has become a global leader.
I m a great fan of Hershey chocolate and it was so much fun knowing about its history. Who would have imagined there is an entire museum dedicated to Hershey. Great post!
Thanks for your comment, Sindhu. It is indeed exciting to learn about the origins of the Hershey Chocolate Company and to hear of the legacy of Milton Hershey. A very fascinating story.
I’m giggling that you made it to Hershey before this Pennsylvania native! It’s so great to read about an entrepreneur who also had a heart. Milton should be an example to a lot of others. I think I’d like the chocolate shot.
Hi Rose: I do find it odd that you haven’t been to Hershey. Hopefully, my posts will inspire you to go. I have no doubt that you will enjoy it. 🙂
Hershey’s is my favorite chocolate brand! I would love to go on this tour and maybe pick up a few chocolate treats in the end!
Let me tell you Hershey is not just the Americans favourite but my favourite too! I have never seen them being sold in Indian shops but whenever someone visits America they bring Hershey chocolate for me! I love its taste, shape, smell and everything about it!
Hi Tania. It truly is amazing how far Hershey Chocolate reaches around the world! You would not believe the tiny community in which it originated and still operates!
I love Hershey’s chocolate! This is such a cool experience. I would want to eat so many chocolates haha. Learning about must put a whole different perspective on how you view the chocolate now. Glad you got to experience this fun activity and tour.
I had no clue that Milton Hershey was a Mennonite. Though I know that general area has Amish and Mennonite communities. How interesting. It is amazing that there was a time not so long ago when chocolate bars weren’t everywhere. Kind of makes you understand Hershey’s major contribution to our culture.
Absolutely, Erica! I think we have Milton S. Hershey to thank for making chocolate accessible and affordable to the average family. And it is cool how he created his foundation and the school and public trust. A true philanthropist and visionary.
I could eat condensed milk with a spoon right out of the can. No wonder I love the taste of Hershey chocolate so much! It would be interesting to try the different flavors in a shooter. The deeper the color, the better for me!
I’m usually that way, too, Alison, in preferring deep dark chocolate. But have you tried dark milk chocolate? I think it is my new fav. Some chocolate makers do it extremely well. They add a bit of milk to dark chocolate and the result is magic. I will write more about that in a subsequent post.
Yum! This looks like a fun experience. I would especially love tasting the warm chocolate drinks. YUM! I always like buying chocolates when I am in Hershey, so uber fresh! 😉
Luck you for getting to Hershey on a regular basis, Melody. I would love that pleasure! Stay tuned. I’m going to turn you on to the craft been scene in Hershey in the next post. 🙂
I’ve never heard of butyric acid content but it sounds like a secret weapon when it comes to making Hershey chocolate so delicious!
Hi Michele. No, I hadn’t heard of butyric acid before either. But it seems to be a byproduct from Hershey’s double condensed milk formula. Yummm indeed! 🙂
The warm chocolate drink sound so tempting. It’s a perfect family vacation. I am sure you had a great time.
I’m not a big fan of Hershey’s chocolate, not since I moved to Europe and discovered the joys of Belgian chocolates. (I haven’t tasted Hershey’s luxury line yet.) Nevertheless, I think I’d enjoy the museum, especially those tastes!
Indeed, Rachel, Belgian-made chocolate is quite exquisite. But the luxury line of Hershey is equally delectable. 🙂
Now that’s my kind of museum. I have to admit, Hershey is not usually my favorite, but I never turn down chocolate!
Mags, I guarantee that if you tasted the Hershey Golden Roasted Almond Milk Chocolate bar … You would be a convert. It’s quite incredible.
Such a cool Museum and what a nice different focus than just the chocolate itself. And yes please on those shooters of warm chocolate drinks!
Hi Evelyne: I agree. It’s nice when a chocolate museum or attraction focuses on the people, places, and customs vs just the chocolate itself. That’s what I always try and do in my work with Chocolatour. Makes it so much more interesting. Cheers!
We visited this Museum in 2012. In fact, we were so fascinated by it, we did the tour twice, one after the other!
Very cool, Carol. Thx for chiming in.
This brought back some wonderful memories, I’m a Brit but my sister worked as a nanny in Pennsylvania for a several years when we were younger and she always came home for the holidays with Hershey’s
It certainly is good chocolate if you enjoy that creamy texture. Living in the UK, I’m sure you were used to Cadbury as your go-to chocolate. Thx for sharing your experience with Hershey, Amanda.
I must confess that I didn’t like Hershey chocolate at the time! It’s very different from British and European chocolate. Cadbury has changed in recent years and I don’t like it as much any more so I stick more to Swiss and German chocolate now 🙂
wow, tour in Hershey’s sounds cool
Doreen, you have visited so many places – where is the best chocolate after all ? 🙂 I am curious
Hi Kristina. I have indeed been to many destinations to explore their chocolate. I have many favourites, as each destination has its own special style of chocolate, and every chocolatier and chocolate maker does one thing particularly well. It’s like asking what is the best wine. There is no definitive answer.
When I was growing up, my parents worked at a camp near Hershey, PA every summer, so we frequently went on trips to the town. This would include a visit to the amusement park and to the Hershey chocolate factory. I loved that the town actually smelled of cooking chocolate. Back in the day, the tours of the factory actually had us wandering around the actual operation—no glass partitions—-and always, a Hershey’s kiss at the end.
Hi Suzanne. Thx for sharing your Hershey memories with us. Yes, I’m sure that factory tour you had as a child was very impactful. The whole Hershey experience has truly changed in the past 10 years with the addition of The Hershey Story museum, the chocolate spa, and the butterfly garden. Have you taken in any of those newer attractions?
I’d love to do a chocolate tasting … or two … or three! We were quite close to Hersey, Pennsylvania last September and never even thought about going to the town. Well, that’ll have to change the next time we visit family in the area!
Hi Anita. How lucky you are to have family in the area of Hershey, PA! Wait until the next post, when I will tempt you with some of the craft beers and creative libations of the area.
We stayed in Hershey when I was a preteen, would love to go back and explore as an adult. I would love to make my own chocolate bar and do a tasting!
Hi Lara: I’m sure you’d enjoy the Hershey experience as an adult in a whole new way!
wow! this is amazing 🙂
like I too want to visit their factory
anyways thanks for the information
Given Hershey’s prevalence in the chocolate market, a visit to their museum would be a must when in the area. To me it would be like visiting the Coca Cola museum, I don’t use the product, but it’s cultural significance can’t be denied.
Absolutely, Jeri. That’s why I called the town of Hershey a “Chocolate Mecca” in one of my previous posts. It is a must for chocolate lovers.
I’ve never tried Hershey chocolate – I’ll have to look out for it next time I’m in the US.
Hershey Chocolate definitely has a unique flavour and texture, Karen. Thx for stopping by.
Going to the Hershey factory would be so much fun! I need to do this if I make it out that way. Such an interesting history behind the factory and how they make chocolate.
Hi Debra. You cannot take tours of the Hershey factory. But you can explore Chocolate World, where you get to visit parts of the old factory and see how chocolate is made. And you can visit the Chocolate Story and learn all about the history of the company and about chocolate. Really worthwhile trip for all chocolate lovers.
Being a Swiss I’m devoted to chocolate and belong to one of the people eating kilos a year 😉 Of course the Hershey Story is of interest to me!
I love Swiss-made chocolate, Marcelle. But each country has its own way of working with the cocoa beans and creating its own unique product. All worthwhile exploring! 🙂
I love Hershey chocolates. They are famous not only in America but all over the world. Would like to know more about the success story of Mr. Milton Hershey.
Hi Moumita. There is a lot of information about Milton Hershey on the HersheyStory.org website. Check the tabs at the top. 🙂
Yummy! I absolutely love chocolate, what a great way to travel!!!!
You got it, Tam. Chocolate travel is the newest and most delicious niche. 🙂
Finally! A celebration of milk chocolate. I definitely want to make my own bar in The Chocolate Lab!
HI Carole. Hershey is definitely a company devoted to milk chocolate. Interesting to note that they are also making dark chocolate bars as well. But there is no doubt that the vast majority of Hershey customers are looking for milk chocolate.
I agree with Donna – I’d go for the chocolate shooters! Fun post and like Judy I could use a bit of chocolate right now!
What an interesting story about Hershey Chocolate. The chocolate shooter tasting sounds like a lot of fun.
This tour, tasting and making your own bar sounds like so much fun. Who knew that Mr. Hershey would have so much importance in bringing chocolate to all of us.
That is definitely part of the Hershey Legacy, Sue. As TammyJo said in her comment, education and adult activities were not part of the Hershey environment 20 and more years ago. But I think that has definitely changed in the last 10 years as consumers really do want quality chocolate and they want to know where it’s coming from and that the cacao has been sustainably sourced.
The Hershey Story Chocolate Museum is on my and my mother’s bucket list. We really want to get there soon! It sounds like such an interesting museum to visit, definitely a history I’d love to learn about!
Kaylene, be sure that you and your mother schedule a chocolate treatment or two at the Chocolate Spa at the Hershey Hotel. You can read about it in one of my previous posts. But it is a “do not miss” for all mother/daughter groups to the area! 🙂
I’m so excited from reading your post that I want to go buy some Hershey chocolate – Hershey Kisses are my favorites.
Hershey Kisses are a big favourite among the population, Judy. And they are continually adding new flavours to the mix. Treat yourself and visit Hershey, PA. 🙂
It’s so impressive when a successful entrepreneur takes his world and expands it for all to appreciate including the journey. Sharing and paying if forward. Thanks Doreen.
Thanks so much for there comment, Janet. Always great to hear from you.
After so many ‘craft beer’ tastings in my travels, I think I would love the flight of Hershey chocolate drinks – a lot!
Then Jane, you will absolutely LOVE the next post when I spotlight some fantastic craft beers made in the Hershey area. Stay tuned!
I love stories about how people and products are designed and made.
This story is a very sweet one about a man and an idea that is still working and producing a favourite treat today.
Thanks
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Betty. As a lifelong entrepreneur yourself, I’m not surprised that the story of Milton Hershey has resonated with you. 🙂
Now that I have a friend who lives in PA, I need to figure out a way to stop here. I LOVE chocolate and while I would love to taste (eat) it, I also like learning, so this would be a great visit.
Absolutely, Janice! I, too, have friends in PA and had hoped to visit with more of them. But my tight timeline and the fact that I didn’t make it to Philly limited my opportunities. Hershey is a destination into itself. I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet with at least one writer friend while there.
Looks like the place has really changed since I was there as a little girl. Seems more mature and informative than just geared toward getting you to buy things.
Absolutely, TammyJo. There is a lot of educational activities at The Hershey Story and the Butterfly Garden. Hershey Chocolate World is a bit more hectic with children and merchandising. But the museum, the butterfly park and the chocolate spa are all really worth experiencing. 🙂
Seems like a wonderful museum, Doreen. Not only is Hershey’s chocolate delicious the museum seems to be an interesting experience to visit.
It is indeed, Catarina. And I didn’t even touch on the beauty of the building. Definitely worth a visit to the Hershey Story. Thx for stopping by.
I would not mind a tour in a Hershey factory!
Hershey bars taste quite different to chocolate in the UK. I would say they are sweeter.
I should have guessed one of the ingredients in Hershey bars is condensed milk. Condensed milk is used by UK bakers/confectioners to make caramel and fudge – oh so sweet and oh so tasty!
Hi Phoenicia. The Hershey Story is not a factory tour. It is a chocolate museum. Chocolate World is another Hershey experience that gives chocolate lovers a chance to see some of the chocolate making equipment in action. But there are no tours to the new Hershey factory which is located a few miles away.
That would be fun to taste shooters of different warm chocolate drinks :-). We actually love condensed milk on its own – can eat it right from the can :-). Very British… Didn’t know that it goes into making Hershey chocolate!
Hi Janice. I’ve never heard of drinking condensed milk on its own!
Yes, it was great doing the Tastings flight at Hershey. They really do have something for everyone and all tastes.
As Hershey is quite secretive about the process it uses to make its chocolate, I still am not quite clear on the procedure. They would not allow me to tour their factory!
How cool is that? I would greatly enjoy touring Hershey’s operation. I know it would be a blast all around.
I have no doubt you would enjoy a trip to Hershey, Susan. It has all the elements to entice you.