Independent Arts News Reporting State Awards of $1 Million Dollars to Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center for Redevelopment
Reported Friday, July 20, 2026
Pictured Above: The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center in Doylestown, PA. The museum site is the former home (Highland Farm) of Broadway lyricist, librettist and humanitarian, Oscar Hammerstein.
NEWSROOM POST: DOYLESTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
Third RACP grant advances restoration of Oscar Hammerstein II's historic Bucks County home and creation of museum and theatre education center
Doylestown, PA – The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center (OHMTEC) today announced it has been awarded a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support the transformation of Highland Farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania – the longtime home of legendary lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II – into a world-class museum and theatre education center.
The award marks the Museum’s third RACP grant from the Commonwealth, representing another major milestone in the organization’s effort to preserve one of America’s most significant musical landmarks. The funding will support construction of a fully ADA-accessible visitor and education center on the site of the property’s former barn, along with exhibition galleries, classrooms, a welcome center, and site improvements including stormwater management, parking, landscaping, and security infrastructure.
“We are deeply grateful to Governor Josh Shapiro, Senator Steve Santarsiero, and Representative
Tim Brennan for this transformative grant,” said Greg Roth, President of the Oscar Hammerstein Museum Board of Directors. “Their support continues our exciting momentum for restoring and preserving a place of extraordinary significance – not just to Bucks County or Pennsylvania, but to our nation’s cultural heritage.
“At Highland Farm, where Oscar Hammerstein II wrote many of the lyrics that have inspired generations around the world, thousands of visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to walk in his footsteps. They will discover not only the genius of his songwriting, but also the values that defined his life: empathy, mentorship, optimism, and a belief that the arts can bring people together and make the world a better place.
“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the extended Hammerstein family, our Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Honorary Advisory Board, and the remarkable community of supporters around the world whose generosity of time, talent, and financial support has made this vision possible. This museum and theatre education center is the result of countless people working together toward a shared dream. As Oscar himself reminded us, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone.’ Neither have we.”
Oscar Hammerstein II and his wife, Dorothy, lived at Highland Farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, for the final 20 years of his life. It was at Highland Farm that Hammerstein forged his legendary partnership with composer Richard Rodgers, leading to the creation of some of the most beloved musicals in American history, including Oklahoma!, Carousel, The King and I, and South Pacific. During his years at Highland Farm, Hammerstein also worked on The Sound of Music, which premiered shortly before his death in 1960. It was also at Highland Farm that Hammerstein mentored a young Stephen Sondheim, helping shape one of Broadway’s greatest composers and lyricists. Hammerstein’s extraordinary legacy as a mentor and humanitarian serves as the inspiration for the Museum’s developing theatre education center, where future generations will be encouraged to create, collaborate, and lead with empathy through the performing arts.
Pictured Above: In 2025 last August, OHM Board President Greg Roth is shown receiving a flag and citation from Kyle Melander, District Director for Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick at Highland Farm/OHMTEC in Doylestown, PA. Photo Credit: Joel Nace.
“We’re lucky to have such deep ties to the history of theater here in Bucks County,” said State Senator Steve Santarsiero. “This project will help turn one of our historical landmarks, the home of legendary Broadway composer Oscar Hammerstein, into a true museum and community center to celebrate his legacy. The accompanying theater education center will help young aspiring artists hone their talents on the stage.”
Representative Tim Brennan added, “Oh, what a beautiful mornin’, oh, what a beautiful day! I got a beautiful feelin’, about this state funding that’s coming our way.
“Oscar Hammerstein’s work has touched generations of Americans and inspired them to live with hope, purpose and decency. It’s fitting that the place where he spent so much of his life will become a space where people can learn about his legacy and be inspired by it.
“This project has such a unique artistic and cultural value for our nation and the Doylestown area. I’m proud to support an investment that is so momentous and that will help bring even more folks here to enjoy Bucks County.”
The latest grant comes as the Museum prepares to begin a major restoration of the historic farmhouse this fall. The work will preserve the architectural integrity of Highland Farm while adapting it for public access and museum-quality preservation. Planned improvements include a new roof, museum-quality climate control systems, restoration of the home’s iconic porch and balcony, accessibility enhancements, and other infrastructure necessary to welcome visitors and protect the Museum’s growing collection of Hammerstein artifacts.
While restoration work progresses, the Museum continues to expand its educational programming throughout Bucks County and beyond. OHMTEC offers guided tours of Highland Farm, presentations for schools and community organizations, lectures, family sing-alongs, and the annual Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest, which invites young performers from around the world to explore the Great American Songbook. The Museum is also developing new educational initiatives, including the Bucks County Young Playwrights Festival, reflecting Hammerstein’s lifelong commitment to nurturing emerging talent and using the arts to build understanding and community.
Supporters will celebrate the Museum’s continued momentum at its annual “Something Wonderful” Gala on October 4, 2026, honoring Tony Award-winning songwriting team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty for carrying forward Hammerstein’s legacy of storytelling, compassion and hope. The evening will feature a special performance by Broadway star Liz Callaway and will raise funds to support the Museum’s general operations, educational programs, and the continued restoration and preservation of Highland Farm.
The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), administered by the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, provides funding for projects that create lasting economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historic impact across the Commonwealth. RACP grants require substantial local investment, making community support an essential component of every award.
Pictured Above: In August, 2025, OHMTEC Board members, front L Julie Flack, L-R Tara Haurin, Greg Roth, Sasha Eisenberg, Will Hammerstein, Christine Junker, Jim DeVivo, Mike Adams. Photo Credit: Joel Nace.
ABOUT THE OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN MUSEUM AND THEATRE EDUCATION CENTER:
The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center is restoring Highland Farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the National Historic Landmark where Oscar Hammerstein II lived and worked during the final two decades of his life. From this remarkable home, Hammerstein forged his legendary partnership with Richard Rodgers, wrote many of the lyrics to the world’s most beloved musicals, and mentored a young Stephen Sondheim. The Museum is dedicated to preserving Hammerstein’s extraordinary artistic legacy while advancing his enduring values of optimism, empathy, mentorship, and collaboration through exhibitions, educational programming, performances, and theatre arts experiences that inspire learners of all ages.
For more information, visit www.HammersteinMuseum.org.
