The Hershey Story to Open January 9

Museum Tells the Stories of American Icon Milton S. Hershey and His Town

HERSHEY, Pa., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ — Downtown Hershey becomes a little sweeter with the opening of its newest attraction, The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue. On Friday, January 9, the new museum, which celebrates the life and legacy of chocolate magnate and philanthropist Milton S. Hershey, will welcome its first visitors.

“The Hershey Story celebrates Milton Hershey’s vision and legacy of human service,” said Don Papson, interim director. “Whether it’s the town he built or his greatest gift, Milton Hershey School, you will be touched by his incredibly balanced life. Through his success in creating the ‘Great American Chocolate Bar’ he was able to do so much for so many.”

With breakthrough technology from start to finish, the Museum Experience places visitors inside the imagination of Milton Hershey. Visitors of all ages can create their own exhibit experience with three audio listening stations, advanced mini-theaters and eleven interactive touchscreens. Hear never-before-shared stories of Milton Hershey’s innovation and determination. Discover how he revolutionized the production of milk chocolate. Visitors can explore Hershey like never before and discover intricate details with a hands-on digital map and a theater-in-the-round.

“We’re thrilled to showcase several new pieces from the collection,” said Amy Bischof, associate director. “Items such as an historic, working Hershey’s Kisses wrapping machine, as well as several personal items of Mr. Hershey’s are among the most significant.”

The Hershey Story features a sleek Chocolate Lab. Inspired by Milton Hershey’s own candy-making apprenticeship and his flair for experimentation, the Lab explores the unique qualities of chocolate through playful, hands-on experiences. Participatory classes include grinding cocoa beans by hand, tempering, molding and dipping. School children can use chocolate’s raw ingredients and various tools to learn about geography, history, economics and science.

Visitors can explore unique merchandise at the Museum Shop, as well as enjoy light fare at Cafe Zooka, which is named for an early Milton Hershey chocolate novelty. While in the Cafe, guests can experience warm drinking chocolate from around the world in the Countries of Origin Chocolate Tasting area.

The building’s first floor will pay tribute to Milton Hershey’s character, values and vision through an awe-inspiring, two-story painting to be completed in spring 2009.

The $23.5 million museum is located on Chocolate Avenue, adjacent to the Hershey Press Building, making it a centerpiece of a revitalized downtown Hershey. It is the first landmark building to be built on Chocolate Avenue in the last 75 years. The Hershey Story was built thanks to the generosity of numerous individual and corporate donors, including the Hershey entities, along with support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Located in the heart of Chocolatetown, The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue is a new museum that guides visitors on an inspirational journey through Milton S. Hershey’s lifetime and beyond. The Hershey Story is open daily year-round. Please visit HersheyStory.org for more information.

The Hershey Story is an operating division of The M.S. Hershey Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

    CONTACT:  Jill Manley
              Director of Communications and
              Public Relations
              The M.S. Hershey Foundation
              717.298.2203 (office)
              717.439.8893 (cellular)

SOURCE The Hershey Story