The Sembrich, the Bolton Landing museum and cultural space devoted to the heritage of operatic soprano Marcella Sembrich, is building on its community outreach by means of an important legacy donation from the estate of Anita Behr Richards.
Included in the gift is Hilltop Cottage, located at 4825 Lake Shore Drive, together with the farm buildings and greenhouse, and bringing the property back into the fold of Sembrich’s Bay View Estate, which had once been a historic part of the estate. The building will serve as the administrative offices for The Sembrich.
The connection of Hilltop Cottage with the Sembrich was maintained by the Behr family. The father of Anita, George Behr, took charge of the museum and the summer home of Sembrich in 1944. Anita was brought up in the same house, which she turned into a bed and breakfast along with her husband Charlie.
Anita has been associated with The Sembrich for more than four decades now. She worked as The Sembrich’s first Administrative Director from 1990 and later became their Program Coordinator until she retired in 2019. During this period, she conducted the first complete survey of their collections and started the Young Performers Showcase, which is going into its 21st year.
“Our gratitude to Anita and Charlie Richards knows no bounds; this is a transformative gift to The Sembrich,” said Lisa H. Hall, President of The Sembrich’s board of directors. “Our productive use and stewardship of this property will be a lasting tribute to Charlie and Anita, one we believe they would have welcomed and appreciated.”
With the inclusion of the Hilltop Cottage, the physicality of The Sembrich is increased in Bolton Landing and a connection is made to Marcella Sembrich once again.
Bluesky Discussion
View on BlueskyNo replies yet. Be the first to comment on Bluesky!
Comments are closed.