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My MHS BlogCategory: Historical: From the Vault

George and Prudence Copenhaver—A Legacy of Leadership

At the heart of Milton Hershey School’s rich history are two individuals whose dedication and compassion helped shape the school’s foundation—George and Prudence Copenhaver. Hired by Milton Hershey in 1909...

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The History of the Milton Hershey School Alma Mater

In December 1951, the Board of Managers officially received permission to change the name of Hershey Industrial School to Milton Hershey School. This decision was not made lightly; over the...

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Milton S. Hershey – The Early Years

Central Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s was a landscape of farmland stretching for miles, with Horseshoe Pike, today’s Route 322, serving as the main road for farmers hauling their wagons west...

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The History of the Milton Hershey School Pledge

One hundred years ago, Hershey Industrial School (now Milton Hershey School) looked very different from the institution it is today. Fewer than 200 students were enrolled, and only a handful...

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The History of the Milton and the Boy Statue

In 1957, the Milton Hershey School Alumni Association met and considered how to pay homage to a man who impacted their lives as profoundly as Milton S. Hershey. At this...

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How Milton Hershey Raised the Bar for Milton Hershey School through the Deed of Trust

Milton and Catherine Hershey signed the Deed of Trust, creating the Hershey Industrial School (now Milton Hershey School), in 1909, but their vision did not end there. They established the...

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From the Vault: Milton Hershey School Alumni Artifacts

In the Milton Hershey School Archives, we have the benefit of preserving the legacy of Milton Hershey’s vision and bringing historical insights from the school’s past to light. While many...

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William “Lebbie” Lebkicher: Milton Hershey’s Right-Hand Man 

The Milton Hershey School Archives recently digitized a handwritten diary kept by Lebbie Lebkicher, a great friend of Milton S. Hershey. In the diary, Lebkicher reflects on his life and...

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Catherine Hershey: A Beautiful Life Remembered

At the turn of the 20th century, opportunities for women outside the home were few and far between. Many working-class women took positions in domestic service or factories where low pay...

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Milton Hershey School’s First Gold Star Boy

Fifty-seven Milton Hershey School alumni died in defense of our country, offering the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The Gold Star Alumni roster includes graduates from eight decades, starting with...

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