Center for American Music

Some of the most well-known songs in American history come from a relatively unknown composer. Stephen Foster, referred to as the father of American music has created a lasting impact through his nineteenth century work. Due to his important contributions to the American music industry, the Stephen Foster Memorial was chosen to host the Center for American music. The Center consists of multiple sections with varying purposes for visitors. The newly renovated Stephen Foster Museum displays the life and work of the composer within the proper historic context, examining things like Foster’s minstrel songs, his family’s history with bound servants, and the ambiguity Foster’s political beliefs. Decorated with sheet music of Foster's songs, visitors can learn about the songwriter, as well as hear modern compositions of his music. The Stephen Foster archives, originally started by Josiah Kirby Lilly, aims to preserve his legacy and educate students and scholars through collected pieces of Foster’s work. Multiple theaters exist in the Memorial for the University of Pittsburgh’s productions, in addition to the museum. The theater department makes regular use of these spaces, and there are several student clubs and outside events hosted there, too. Dedicated in 1937, the Memorial sits adjacent to the Cathedral of Learning and Heinz Chapel on the University of Pittburgh’s campus. The three buildings were built around the same time in the Gothic revival style by the same architect.

Stephen Collins Foster died in 1864 at only 37 years old. Still, he wrote more than 200 songs over the course of his lifetime, including country-wide favorites such as Oh! Susanna, Camptown Races, and My Old Kentucky Home. While often associated with the American South, many of his songs were written while he lived in the Pittsburgh area. The popularity of his music could be partially attributed to the area, as he could take influence from the diverse voices that could be heard within the factory based city. Not only was he revered in the United States – he is one of the most recognizable American composers in other countries. This can be seen in the diversity of visitors to the center, who have grown up listening to Foster’s music around the world (“Frequently Asked Questions About Stephen Foster”).

Works Cited

“Frequently Asked Questions About Stephen Foster.” The Center for American Music at the University of Pittsburgh, www.pitt.edu/~amerimus/FosterFAQ.htm.