The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center (OHMTEC) announced a $500,000 matching gift challenge to raise the funds necessary for the nonprofit to secure Highland Farm, Hammerstein’s family home and creative epicenter in Doylestown, by Aug. 1.
“We are excited about the support coming from our local community and nationwide for this legacy project,” Board President Greg Roth said. “With the recent donation from the Miranda Family Fund, OHMTEC was $1 million away from purchasing the historic property. Since then, members of the Executive Committee have rallied together to fund this $500,000 matching gift challenge, leaving $500,000 to raise by August 1st.”
OHMTEC’s Executive Committee of the board is comprised of Richard T. Clark, Jane Ford- Hutchinson, Tom Hebel, Todd Leff, Linda Leffingwell Paton, and Paul Loosmann. Joining the Executive Committee this month are Enid Corkran, Alexandra Jupin, Ned Pollock, and Joel M. Zazyczny.
Oscar Hammerstein II lived with his family at Highland Farm 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,” “Oklahoma!” and “South Pacific,” and where he mentored a young Stephen Sondheim. Over 75 Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, and Pulitzer Prizes can be directly traced back to Highland Farm.
OHMTEC’s mission is to honor the Broadway legend’s groundbreaking work as a lyricist, librettist, mentor, and humanitarian and to educate and inspire the next generation of theater aficionados, particularly in diverse and underserved communities.
Individuals and entities interested in being a part of this legacy project can visit OHMTEC’s donation page at HammersteinMuseum.org. Contributions of any amount can be made by check, credit card or appreciated securities. Naming opportunities are available for rooms and spaces in the house and barn. For information email hammersteinmuseum@gmail.com.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
