Local Developer Donates Land for the Oscar Hammerstein Museum

DOYLESTOWN, PA —The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center (OHMTEC) announced recently the great news of a major gift that brings the nonprofit one step closer to its goal of purchasing Highland Farm, the historic Doylestown home of lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Developer Shawn Touhill donated the 2.06 acre parcel of land adjacent to the house and barn at 70 East Road, Doylestown, which had been approved for development and has significant market value. The land is part of the planned museum and theatre education center, which OHMTEC will create on the Highland Farm property.

"As part of the culturally rich landscape of Bucks County, Highland Farm will carry on Hammerstein's legacy to inspire future generations,” said Touhill. “My family and I are both pleased and honored to have been a small part of this mission to preserve a little bit of history."

“We are very grateful to Shawn for this donation and his wanting to be part of a community that is stepping up to support this legacy project. This generous gift comes on the heels of our state matching grant and adds to the exciting momentum we are having to preserve and restore this national treasure,” said Greg Roth, President of the board of OHMTEC.

The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center is raising funds to purchase, restore, and preserve Highland Farm, Oscar Hammerstein's former home and creative epicenter in Doylestown, PA. Oscar and his wife, Dorothy, lived with their family at Highland Farm in for the last 20 years of his life. This is the place where he forged his legendary partnership with Richard Rodgers and that inspired many of their greatest musical works, including The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, Showboat, Oklahoma! and South Pacific. It is also the place where Hammerstein mentored a young Stephen Sondheim, and where he contributed to society by increasing our awareness of social issues and the need for tolerance of diversity.

The entire project will cost approximately five million dollars. With the goal to create a multifaceted and dynamic museum experience, with a strong theatre education component, serving as a place of inspiration for Broadway fans and humanitarians alike, the organization is on a quick timeline to gather the support needed to preserve this treasure and to #SaveOscarsHome!

A limited number of naming opportunities are being offered for rooms and spaces in the house and barn at Highland Farm. To find out availability and prices for naming, contact Christine Junker, Secretary/Treasurer at hammersteinmuseum@gmail.com. Donations of any amount are welcome and can be made by check, credit card or appreciated securities. Those interested in supporting these efforts can visit the organization’s donation page at hammersteinmuseum.org.