HERSHEY, Pa. (WHTM) — The Hershey Story Museum recently announced that it will soon be debuting a new exhibit highlighting a former Hershey CEO.

According to the Hershey Story Museum, their newest exhibit will tell the story of William E. Dearden, who was an underprivileged child who attended the now Milton Hershey School and later become CEO.

Following his graduation, Dearden went on to become the CEO of the Hershey Foods Corporation, which is now known as The Hershey Company. Dearden’s leadership as CEO was most notably remembered for his implementation of mass media advertising, beginning in the 1960’s.

Following Milton Hershey’s death, the company was still utilizing what is described as a conservative business model, where they relied primarily on their reputation for quality. In the 1960s this model was no longer successful, which led Dearden to build a new marketing department and restructure the sales department.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

ICYMI: Top 5 Stories of the Week

“Guests can learn about Bill Dearden, his charismatic leadership style and his commitment to fulfilling Mr. Hershey’s legacy,” Valerie Seiber, senior manager, historical collections and exhibitions, The Hershey Story Museum said.

The new exhibit will boast a collection of Dearden’s personal items in addition to several iconic commercials and advertising campaigns.

Furthermore, visitors of the new exhibit will also get to learn how Reese’s Pieces became the first Hershey’s product to be used in a major motion picture; ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’.

The new Dearden exhibit officially opens on Friday, May 3 and entry to the exhibit will be included in admission to the Museum Experience.

Bike Harrisburg gearing up to celebrate Bike Month

For more information on hours of operation, you can click here.

It is important to note that the new exhibit was made possible by support from The William and Mary Dearden Foundation, Milton Hershey School and The Hershey Company.

abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.