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Virtual Founders Hall Visitors Center

Inspiring Generations

We are glad you’re here to take a closer look at Milton Hershey School and our history. We know nothing replaces the magic of walking through Founders Hall, the stately monument dedicated to Milton and Catherine Hershey. But, until you’re able to visit us in Hershey, Pennsylvania, we’ve built the next best thing.

Explore more than 110 years of MHS history—anytime, anywhere—through this virtual experience. Navigate through our interactive exhibits, historical albums, and alumni awards/collections below. You’ll see that our unwavering mission to help children break the cycle of poverty and lead productive and fulfilling lives remains strong.

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The History of Founders Hall

Founders Hall rotunda

Fifty Years of Founders Hall

Milton Hershey School dedicated an iconic building on campus, Founders Hall, in 1970 in honor of Milton Hershey’s 113th birthday. The building was a part of a bigger plan to create a lasting tribute to our school’s founders.

Fifty years later in 2020, the building underwent renovations to bring it up to current-day safety and accessibility standards. The Founders Hall Visitors Center, also modernized as part of this project, will allow MHS to better share the compelling story of our school’s past, present, and future.

Read MoreDig Deeper on Our Renovations

MHS Founders Hall Fish Fountain

Historic Fish Fountain

When Founders Hall was built, plans included a fountain created by Aristides Demetrios, an award-winning sculptor from San Francisco. Featuring a school of fish leaping out of the water, the piece represents the joy reflected in the MHS student body. It was recently refurbished as part of the renovation project.

Read the Story

Explore Founders Hall

Drag to see a 360-degree view of Milton Hershey School Founders Hall. Then, click to engage with interactive content.

Milton Hershey School's Visitors Center Deed of Trust Exhibit

Deed of Trust Exhibit

Signed in 1909

Milton and Catherine Hershey communicated what they wanted the school to be in the Deed of Trust that created the Hershey Industrial School in 1909. Their vision of providing a sound education, stable Home Life, and meeting all the needs of children in need comes alive in this Founders Hall Visitors Center exhibit, with a script from the original Deed of Trust, photographs, and moving images.

The Document that Changed History

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Life at MHS Pillars

Hear from MHS Students

The Life at MHS exhibit features five pillars with videos about what it is like to be a student at MHS. Students in Elementary, Middle, and Senior Divisions, plus an alumna, share about Home Life, extracurricular activities, a top-notch education, Career and Technical education, and life after MHS.

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Meet Jadiel—Home Life

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Meet China—Campus Life

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Meet Russell—Academic Life

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Meet Tatiana—MHS Community

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Spartan Memories Exhibit

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Look Back Through the Eras

The Founders Hall Visitors Center Spartan Memories exhibit features an interactive kiosk and viewing wall where memories come alive through the decades of MHS history. This digital interpretation of the installation gives online guests a flavor of the content available to them when visiting in person. Use the arrows on the photographs to scroll through each series.

Milton Hershey School's Visitors Center Vision in Action Exhibit

Vision in Action Exhibit

Founders’ Vision Continues

There are two life-changing dates in any MHS alumnus’ or alumna’s life—their birthday and the day they came to MHS. The Founders Hall Visitors Center Vision in Action exhibit shows how the MHS family comes together with a student’s own family to give them the best education, stable Home Life, and start in life possible.

The Vision That Continues To Grow

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Alumni Collection

2023 Milton Hershey School Alumnus of the Year Robin Ferrer '00.

2023 Alumnus of the Year

Milton Hershey School named Robin Ferrer ’00 as the 2023 Alumnus of the Year in recognition of his commitment and dedication to providing quality health care and leadership to his community in New York City—even amidst a global pandemic. Ferrer is proud to receive this honor and be the first Hispanic alumnus to receive the prestigious award.

Read the StoryNominate a Graduate

Milton Hershey School Spartan Hall of Fame 2021 Inductees

2022 Spartan Hall of Fame Inductees

MHS is proud to honor its newest group of distinguished alumni and coaches, the 2022 Spartan Hall of Fame inductees. The 2022 class of inductees celebrates the achievements of eight graduates, a former coach, and an athletic team in the areas of athletics and visual and performing arts.

To be considered for induction into the Spartan Hall of Fame, an individual must be nominated and then vetted and approved by a selection committee. Nominees must have demonstrated good citizenship as students and since graduation.

Meet the 2022 Spartan Hall of Fame InducteesRead More on Spartan Hall of Fame

A photo collage of Milton Hershey School's Gold Star Alumni.

Gold Star Alumni

MHS has a long-standing tradition of honoring its Gold Star alumni every year on Memorial Day. This special group of individuals paid the ultimate sacrifice. They gave their lives while serving our country as members of the armed forces.

Read How We Honor ThemRead about Our Gold Star Alumni

Alumni Achievement Awards

Milton Hershey School recognizes outstanding graduates with Alumni Achievement Awards. The annual awards honor graduates for their academic, career, and community service accomplishments.

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The MHS Story

Interpretive Graphics

Between exhibits at the new Founders Hall Visitors Center, MHS showcases fun facts about its campus, Spartan alumni, Hershey entity partners, and Hershey, Pa. through freestanding graphic panels. Learn more about the MHS story below.

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MHS student with future goals

Now Enrolling

Do you have a child, work with a child, or know a child who could benefit from MHS? Help them discover their greatest self.

Milton Hershey School does not discriminate in admissions or other programs and services on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed or disability. Read important MHS policies on equal opportunity and diversity, equal employment opportunity, and more.