Tour Oscar Hammerstein's Highland Farm in Doylestown. How to visit Bucks County history

The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center is celebrating the history of the iconic Highland Farm in Doylestown, where the legendary lyricist lived and found inspiration, with tours this summer.

The nonprofit secured the East Road property last year after almost a decade of efforts to purchase and preserve the homestead where Hammersteins lived until his death in 1960. And now officials want to share the property and its history with the public as it works to fulfill its goal of turning it into a museum.

Every Friday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. from July 12 to Aug. 30, the center offers tours of the property, providing an opportunity to learn about the life and work of the musical genius on his former Bucks County property.

"The tour begins on the house's front porch. The idea is to describe the life of Oscar Hammerstein and his family while living at Highland Farm and his partnership with Richard Rogers, which began there," said Christine Junker, the board secretary for the center.

Highland Farm is a cherished home and farm complex off East State Road.

Hammerstein and his wife, Dorothy, purchased the property in 1940, transforming it into a creative haven where he composed the lyrics to some of the most known and beloved musicals. During their residency from 1940 to 1960, Hammerstein wrote lyrics for the classics: "The Sound of Music," "Oklahoma!," and "South Pacific."

The latter was notably inspired by James Michener's novel "Tales of the South Pacific," another resident of Doylestown.

The farm became a communal hub, with Hammerstein known for his hospitality, according to the nonprofit. A flag at the property signaled local children that they were welcome to swim in the pool or play tennis, exemplifying Hammerstein's friendly and generous nature, it shared on its website.

At Highland Farm, "a young Stephen Sondheim was mentored by Hammerstein, a relationship that influenced the future of American musical theater," said Junker.

Today, Highland Farm stands as a testament to Hammerstein's legacy.

The property, now under the stewardship of the nonprofit Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center, aims to preserve and celebrate Hammerstein's contributions to the arts and society.

"We purchased the house and the barn next to it in December last year. We plan to renovate the building to look like the time the Hammersteins lived there," said Junker.

The summer tours, which have gained popularity among locals and visitors, offer a 45-minute "immersive experience." They cost $15.

Since the tour group is 20 people, Junker suggests "buying the tickets online, since the tours will become very popular and it is only a small group per tour." These tours also provide deeper insights into Hammerstein's humanitarian efforts and profound societal impact.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Oscar Hammerstein's Bucks County Highland Farm open in Doylestown