Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Less than twelve weeks after opening to the public, the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center has reached its first 1,000 visitors. While the majority of museum patrons are from the local region, visitors have come from as far away as British Columbia. The museum has been tracking attendance and collecting visitor data since mid-May. A dedicated website, marilynhorne.org was launched in June to help promote the museum and its programming. Those searching online for things to do in the region are finding the museum and coming to Bradford’s historic downtown district to visit. “We are thrilled with the interest in the museum,” said Matthew Hileman, the museum’s manager. “The museum is already fulfilling its mission by providing a quality educational experience to those living in the region while bringing much-needed tourism and interest to Bradford.” In addition to attendance, the museum is building its presence online with followers on social media outlets such as Twitter and Fac...

As a tribute to the renowned opera star and Bradford native, Marilyn Horne, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford changed the name of its six-story downtown property from the Seneca Building to Marilyn Horne Hall. The University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees approved the name change Friday in Pittsburgh. In May Pitt-Bradford will open a 3,400 square-foot museum in the hall dedicated to Horne, who donated her archives to the University of Pittsburgh. “Ms. Horne is beside herself with joy and excitement that a building in the place of her birth is being named in her honor,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford. “She is truly humbled by the honor and looks forward to joining us on May 6 for the dedication and opening of the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center in Marilyn Horne Hall.” Horne, who is Bradford’s most famous native daughter, was born in 1934. Her father, Bentz Horne, encouraged her to pursue her musical dreams. She moved with her family to L...