Oscar Hammerstein Museum Breaks Ground On Major Renovation Project

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center broke ground on Friday on a major project to restore and renovate Highland Farm, where famed musical theatre lyricist Oscar Hammerstein wrote the lyrics for "Oklahoma," "Carousel," "The King & I," "South Pacific," and many others.

"Together, we are restoring this prized former home into a world-class museum and education center," said the museum's board president, Greg Roth, joined by board members, project professionals, and local politicians and their representatives. "Work has already begun that will include complete restoration of the famous balcony that Oscar's wife, Dorothy, had installed so Oscar could pace outside and gain inspiration.”

The work will include restoration of the porch where Oscar would sit on his rocking chair and gaze upon the bright golden haze of the meadow, said Roth. New roofing will be installed. The building will be repainted. And a special HVAC system will be installed to preserve and protect items that will be on view, including Oscar's writing desk, his inkwell set, his rocking chair, and priceless original scores, photographs, playbills, and newspaper clippings dating back over a century.

When the renovations are complete, Roth said visitors will be able to immerse themselves in Oscar's home and office. “They'll stand beside the very desk where he wrote the lyrics and libretto that forever changed American musical theater. They'll stand in the place where Oscar welcomed and mentored a young Stephen Sondheim and they'll learn about the hour each day that Oscar dedicated to a social cause, often joined by his friends and fellow writers James A. Michener and Pearl S. Buck,” said Roth.

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

“This is more than a renovation of an historic house,” Roth continued. “It's the first major step in transforming Highland Farm into a place where history, education, creativity, community and concern for others all come together. And this is just the beginning," said Roth.

Earlier this year, the barn behind the house collapsed in a windstorm after standing for decades as part of the Doylestown landscape.

“We have preserved much of the original wood and are looking ahead to building an extension of the museum and theatre education center on the historic barn site which is directly behind the house. This is a big undertaking,” said Roth.

"We believe in this place - this national treasure. And with the community's continued support, we will make that vision a reality," he said. "Call me a cock-eyed optimist, but with friends ranging from the legendary Shirley Jones to Tony Award-winner Jonathan Grubb and the support and endorsement from organizations like Miranda Family Fellowship Highland Farm will inspire the next Broadway star, the next iconic songwriter, and inspire all of us to dedicate ourselves to the betterment of humanity."

In September, the museum's board awarded the renovation contract to Adams-Bickel General Contractors of Royersford following an extensive and highly competitive selection process.

The company’s Chief Operating Officer Jason Z. Amrich shared comments from the company's CEO, Joseph Bello, who was unable to attend.

"Projects like this are very special to us. We are not simply renovating a building, but we will be preserving a place with an important history and preparing it for its next chapter,” said Amrich. “Highland Farm has a story and a character that cannot be recreated, and we recognize the responsibility that comes along with that.”

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

A future phase includes the construction of a new building on the site of the barn foundation. It is envisioned as the theatre and education center. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

He continued, “Our goal throughout construction is to protect the character and history of Highland Farm while providing the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail necessary to ensure that this property will serve the community for generations to come ... We look forward to seeing Highland Farm preserved, revitalized, and ultimately reopened to the public so that Oscar Hammerstein's legacy and the history of this remarkable property can continue to be shared for many years to come."

Adams-Bickel’s portfolio includes work for both the Michener Art Museum and The County Theater, two Bucks County institutions whose historic and cultural significance closely aligns with the goals of the Highland Farm project.

Period Architecture, Ltd. is serving as the architect for the project. The Philadelphia-based firm brings extensive experience in historic preservation and adaptive reuse to the renovation of Highland Farm.

State Representative Tim Brennan, who worked closely with State Sen. Steve Santarsiero in securing several major grants for the project, said the progress that has been made to preserve the property over the past five years “has been absolutely incredible. I’m so appreciative of the work being done here.

“Here at Highland Farm, Oscar Hammerstein created songs and stories that inspired an entire generation. Words written here have reached and influenced the entire world and that just shows us the power of art,” said Brennan. “Oscar Hammerstein’s work entertained us, but it also challenged us. It asked us to look at prejudice. It reaffirmed human dignity. And it encouraged us to see each other with more compassion.

“This museum and education center will be a cornerstone for this community both culturally for our young people and the arts community but also for tourism with another attraction of national significance in our own backyard. I am very proud of Pennsylvania for investing in this vision.,” said Brennan.

The gathering also heard from Meghan Schroeder, who represented Congressman Fitzpatrick at the event; a representative from Univest Bank, which is providing the financing for the project; and Will Hammerstein, the grandson of Oscar Hammerstein.

The project will help restore and improve the historic Highland Farm farmhouse while preparing the property for expanded public use. Planned improvements include work to the farmhouse’s roof, HVAC system, porch and balcony, as well as accessibility improvements.

The next phase of redevelopment will include improvements to the property’s parking area, followed by future development on the historic foundation of the former barn to create expanded exhibit and educational spaces.

Highland Farm is a nationally recognized historic property and an important part of American musical theatre history. Hammerstein lived at the farm with his wife, Dorothy, and their family from 1940 until his death in 1960. During those years, he wrote some of his most celebrated work, mentored a young Stephen Sondheim, and continued the creative partnerships and humanitarian work that shaped his legacy.
The Hammerstein Museum is guided by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, led by Greg Roth, President and Fundraising Committee Chair; Mike Adams, Vice President and Collections Committee Chair; Christine Junker, Secretary and Marketing & Communications Committee Chair; Tara Haurin, Finance Committee Chair; Jim DeVivo, Ph.D., Education Committee; Sasha Eisenberg, Events Committee Chair; Julie Flack, Education Committee Chair; Greg Kammerer, Fundraising and Events Committees; and Alex Perez, Facilities Committee Chair. Christopher Hutton serves as Administrative Coordinator.

Hammerstein Museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret Oscar Hammerstein II’s legacy while inspiring future generations through theatre education, storytelling, creativity, collaboration, and the arts.

Donations are needed to support the nonprofit’s growing educational programs and the future development of Highland Farm. To learn more about the renovation project, educational
programs, or to make a donation, visit hammersteinmuseum.org.