WW2 Trolley Tour of Hershey

WW2 Trolley Tour of Hershey

Hershey was a diverse community during the 1940s. It was a tourist town even then. It had a large workforce dedicated to chocolate, was diverse culturally with a large Italian population, but still had a small-town feel. Business executives lived in the same neighborhoods as their workers. They worked, worshiped, and recreated together. World War II had a major impact, reshaping iconic town buildings and locations, and giving new relevance to some while driving innovation in others. How we remember the war, and those who fought it, is tied to tangible pieces from our past.

​These stories still exist after eighty years have passed. They are alive in the people and the places. We’ll travel back in time, cruise around the town, see the sites and hear the stories that bring them to life.

Join the History Center as we visit historic sites around Hershey, some prominent and others known only to the community, as we explore their connection to World War II History.

Start off your tour by visiting Major Dick Winters’ office in the History Center, then learn where he lived and worked at his own business during our tour. Visit the historic Hotel Hershey and learn about Axis prisoners of war that resided there, and the role it played in securing the home-front during the early days of the war, when paranoia of German and Japanese attack on our homeland was a real fear. The current War Memorial sits in downtown Hershey, but did you know this is its third location or that a second honor roll existed in Derry Township during the war? See sites like the original Chocolate factory in downtown Hershey, where residents worked while their loved ones served. See sites in the Italian Enclave of Swatara Station. These sites will come to life as we traverse the main streets of town and travel back to the 1940s.

Tours depart from and return to the Hershey History Center. The museum will be open and feature a unique exhibit of WWII memorabilia for the event. The tour will be led by Professor Ted Herman.

​Trolley Tour Times: 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm, 3:30pm-5:30pm

Members and Veterans: $35. Nonmembers: $40

Please note:
Times may not run exactly two hours and may vary based on traffic and weather. There will be several stops with light walking and stairs will be required if you wish to debark from the bus.