Thrill Ride: Hersheypark & Its Transformation in the 1970s
Today, Hersheypark is famous for coasters and candy-themed fun, but it wasn’t always. When it was founded in 1906, it was central to Milton Hershey’s larger vision of paternalistic capitalism. It was only in the 1970s that it transformed from an old-fashioned amusement park into a modern entertainment complex that followed the model of Disneyland. When and how did the park discover its magic formula of thrill rides and chocolate theming? The answer is sure to surprise you, so join LancasterHistory and Dr. John Haddad of Penn State University to find out!
Dr. John R. Haddad is Professor of American Studies and Popular Culture at Penn State University in Harrisburg. He is the author of Thrill Ride: The Transformation of Hershey Park (2025) as well as three books that explore America’s historical relationship with China. He lives in Lancaster with his family.
Information & Registration
The lecture, “Thrill Ride: Hersheypark & Its Transformation in the 1970s,” will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster. A reception will precede the lecture at 5pm, followed by the main event at 5:30pm. The lecture will be available via livestream, but will not be available publicly after the event concludes.
This event is free and open to the public, but requires registration to guarantee a seat. Select your registration option below, or call 717.392.4633 to register over the phone. An email is required to receive the link to the livestream on Zoom.
Online/Virtual Event In-Person Event Lecture Reception