For several decades, Hershey Gardens’ Maintenance and Horticultural Center was located in a metal building east of the Gardens. In the spring, the Center moved to its new home south of the Gardens at a former Milton Hershey School facility called “Rosemont Barn.”

“Rosemont Barn gives us more capability, makes us more efficient and allows us some much-needed space for equipment,” said Jamie Shiffer, Grounds Maintenance Supervisor. “We’re also grateful to utilize an existing building, rather than building new.”

When the barn was being restored, the crew discovered a cavernous underground cistern. “So we added plumbing from the barn’s guttering, and we now harvest rainwater there,” said Shiffer.

The new barn is being leased from the Milton Hershey School. It is similar to other early 20th century Pennsylvania bank barns - built from wood and limestone between 1900 and 1920. It was remodeled mid-century and again in later years, but has now been completely restored and strengthened.