How a Building Ended Up Under Glass in Hershey, PA
The Building Under Glass

How a Building Ended Up Under Glass in Hershey, PA

Within the shadows of the iconic Hershey smoke stacks and roller coasters sits a quiet slice of colonial history preserved in a unique way. Known affectionately as the “Building Under Glass,” this historic structure is a charming log building encased entirely in a glass enclosure.

Address: 248 E Derry Rd, Hershey, PA 17033

Category: Roadside Attraction

Duration: Quick Stop

Directions and Hours

The Building Under Glass, or as it is also known as the Session House, sits within the parking lot of Derry Presbyterian Church at 248 E Derry Rd, Hershey, PA 17033. The property is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year.

The “Building Under Glass” and parking lot

Uncovering Hershey’s Oldest Structure

The building dates back to 1732, the same year George Washington was born. Built by early Scots-Irish settlers, the log cabin was first used as a schoolroom and was the first school in this area. Reverend William Bertram first taught children to read so they could study the Bible. The building’s location is also unique because it is the only structure known to be standing where it was originally built.

Pamphlets available for guests

Over the years, the building served many roles. It acted as a pastor’s office, a Sunday School space, and even the area’s original post office, complete with a tiny mail slot that still remains visible in the old wooden door.

A sign above the door to the Session House

The glass enclosure that now houses the building was constructed in 1929 by Milton S. Hershey himself. Hershey, always a visionary for both industry and legacy, recognized the importance of preserving the area’s early history for future generations. Thanks to his foresight, the Derry Session House now sits securely beneath a protective glass pavilion, blending rustic colonial architecture with a modern sensibility.

The Session House

The adjacent cemetery offers insight into the region’s colonial and Revolutionary War past. There are at least 40 Revolutionary War soldiers and another 27 Frontiersmen buried here. There are over 200 graves with the earliest dating back to 1735. The north-east quadrant serves as a resting place for an unknown number of Native Americans.

The Derry Cemetery

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Session House or Building Under Glass is a short and quiet detour from the more high-energy attractions of Hershey. The site is free to visit and is open to visitors year-round. It makes for an easy and peaceful stop whether you’re exploring Hershey’s historical sites or simply looking for a quieter moment to reflect.

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