Doylestown's museum dedicated to Oscar Hammerstein commemorates the 130th anniversary of the celebrated musical theater maestro
The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is currently an active nonprofit organisation dedicated to preserving the legacy of the famous lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. The museum, located at Highland Farm, Hammerstein’s former home where he wrote some of his most iconic musicals, is undergoing restoration with the support of local donors and a notable donation from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s foundation.
This weekend, the museum is celebrating Hammerstein’s 130th birthday with a series of events, including concerts and tours of the historic farmhouse. Local talent, such as Meredith Beck, a Doylestown-based performer, will be performing famous songs penned by Hammerstein. Beck expressed her appreciation for the rich musical theater history of Bucks County and felt honoured to be part of the celebration.
The museum's future plans include the development of a Theatre Education Center, aiming to honour Hammerstein’s legacy as a mentor and humanitarian by providing a broad range of programs. These include a youth theater company, classes in theatre, dance, and music production, mentorship programs for young adults and emerging professionals, school programming, writer's retreats, and outreach programs accessible both in-person and virtually.
The museum emphasises accessibility by offering programming fees on a sliding scale, ensuring no one is turned away due to financial constraints. They also organise events like the Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest, open to singers worldwide in multiple age categories. Winners receive cash prizes, coaching sessions with Broadway professionals, and performance opportunities at museum events.
Christine Junker, museum board secretary, mentioned that events like these help build awareness about the museum and its ongoing fundraising efforts to renovate Hammerstein’s former residence. Renovation costs for the house, dating back to 1840, are significant, and the museum is seeking donations. Junker urged community members to visit the organisation's website for more information about tours and events.
The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center is moving forward with active community engagement through tours, events, and robust plans to develop theater education programs that reach diverse audiences in Bucks County and beyond. For more information, visit the museum's website, which serves as a source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information, and relies on financial support from readers.
This weekend, the Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center is hosting a series of events celebrating Hammerstein's 130th birthday, including concerts and tours of the historic farmhouse. In line with this, the future plans of the museum include the development of a Theatre Education Center to honor Hammerstein's legacy as a mentor, aiming to provide programs in home-and-garden settings, offering classes in theatre, dance, music production, and lifestyle education.
