The wind may come rushing down the plains in “Oklahoma” but Oscar Hammerstein was looking out over the golden meadows of Pennsylvania when he wrote the musical among others.
This summer fans of Hammerstein and his musicals can tour Highland Farm – now the Hammerstein Museum -where the musical was created.
Hammerstein bought the farm in Doylestown in 1940 as an escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.
Highland Farm is also the sight where a young theatrical composer Stephen Sondheim became Hammerstein’s protégé.
Along with “Oklahoma”; Hammerstein penned “The Sound of Music” and “South Pacific” at the farm.
The 90 minute tour includes stories about Hammerstein, his family, insights into his humanitarian work, and his impact of the modern musical.
Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased online by midnight the day before the tour – tours are based on ticket sales – and run July and August. Tours are at 11am on Fridays and 3pm on Saturdays.
Private and group tours are available by appointment.
Parking is on the grass by the barn.
A historic sight, Highland Farm is not an accessible sight. There is no wheelchair or mobility access to the second floor. The ground outside may not be level in all areas.
Prior to becoming The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center, Highland Farm was a bed and breakfast.
Feature photo credit: Oscar Hammerstein II Farm 03.JPG
en:Oscar Hammerstein II Farm, Doylestown, PA. 70 East Road.