Oscar Hammerstein Museum In Doylestown Awarded $1M State Grant

BUCKS COUNTY – The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Education Center has been awarded a $1 million grant from the state for the continued preservation and redevelopment of Highland Farms - the home of legendary Broadway composer Oscar Hammerstein in Doylestown - into a museum and education center celebrating Hammerstein's legacy.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant was announced on Thursday by State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Tim Brennan and will fund the continued redevelopment and restoration of the property.

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“We’re lucky to have such deep ties to the history of theater here in Bucks County,” said Senator 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.”

“Oh, what a beautiful mornin', oh, what a beautiful day! I got a beautiful feelin,’ about this state funding that's coming our way!” Brennan said. “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.”

This announcement is especially exciting today as one of Oscar Hammerstein’s classics, "South Pacific," is now on stage at the Bucks County Playhouse. The play was written at Oscar Hammerstein’s home in Bucks County and based on the book “Tales of the South Pacific” by Bucks County native and namesake of the Michener Museum, James A. Michener.

"We are deeply grateful to Governor Josh Shapiro, Senator Steve Santarsiero, and Rep. Tim Brennan for this transformative grant,” said President of the Oscar Hammerstein Museum Board of Directors Greg Roth. “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."

He continued, "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.'"

The redevelopment, preservation, and restoration of the property is slated to include replacing the barn with a fully ADA-compliant facility incorporating exhibition and classroom space as well as a welcome center. Site preparation is also required to accommodate public use, including stormwater management, new parking, landscaping, and security infrastructure.

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.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. Local investment is required to receive an RACP grant.