Historic Barn at Oscar Hammerstein II's Highland Farm Collapses After Storm

The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center  announced that the historic barn at Highland Farm, the longtime family home and creative  workplace of legendary lyricist and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II, completely collapsed during a severe storm this week.

Though the barn had long suffered from significant structural  deterioration and disrepair, its collapse marks the loss of a beloved part of the historic Bucks County  property. 

The nonprofit Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center purchased Highland Farm in  December 2023 with the mission of preserving the historic site and transforming it into a center for arts  education and inspiration for future generations. 

Oscar Hammerstein II lived at Highland Farm with his family from 1940 until his death in 1960. During  those years, the property became one of the most important creative sites in American musical theatre  history. It was there that the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein partnership was formed, and where  Hammerstein wrote works including Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and Flower  Drum Song. While The Sound of Music was not written at Highland Farm itself, Hammerstein was living  there during its creation, and the beloved musical remains deeply connected to this important period of his  life and career. 

Highland Farm was more than a creative retreat, it was also a working farm during the Hammerstein  family’s years there, complete with milking cows and active agricultural operations. The barn served as  an important part of daily life on the property and stood for decades as a reminder of the rural landscapes  and agricultural traditions reflected in works such as Oklahoma!, where Hammerstein famously wrote of  “the farmer and the cowman” and life shaped by the land. The property’s pastoral setting inspired  Hammerstein’s deep love of the Pennsylvania countryside and the enduring Americana woven throughout  his musicals.

Visitors touring the property today can experience the historic farmhouse where Hammerstein crafted  lyrics that continue to inspire audiences around the world. Tours include stories about Oscar’s family life,  creative process, and groundbreaking contributions to musical theatre history. 

Major preservation and restoration work on the farmhouse is scheduled to begin soon, including  installation of a new roof, a modern HVAC system to protect historic objects and furnishings on display,  restoration of the home’s iconic porch and balcony, and construction of a new accessibility ramp to  welcome all visitors. 

The balcony carries special significance in Hammerstein family history. It was gifted to Oscar by his wife  Dorothy for their 25th wedding anniversary. From there, he overlooked the property’s rolling farmland  while writing lyrics to songs still beloved today - songs that reminded audiences that “You’ve got to be  carefully taught,” captured the joy of “Oh, what a beautiful mornin’,” and invited generations to believe  that “Some enchanted evening” life could change forever. 

Visitors can also view Oscar Hammerstein II’s original standing desk, where many of those famous lyrics  were written. The desk was generously donated to the nonprofit by members of the Hammerstein family. 

Despite the loss of the barn, the organization remains committed to its long-term vision for the site. Plans  for rebuilding the structure include exhibit galleries, classrooms, rehearsal and presentation areas for the  nonprofit’s growing arts programs, including the International Youth Solo Contest, Young Playwrights  Festival, community presentations, workshops, and additional theatre education initiatives. 

“This loss is heartbreaking,” said Greg Roth, President of the Hammerstein Museum Board, “but it also  underscores the urgency of preserving Highland Farm and sharing Oscar Hammerstein II’s extraordinary  legacy with future generations.” 

Tours of the historic farmhouse are scheduled throughout the month of June. Tour information and reservations are available at https://www.hammersteinmuseum.org/tourinfo.

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