When Fred Rogers created his children’s show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, he probably had no idea how much of an impact it would have on the lives of children for decades to come.
Misterogers on the CBC
When Fred Rogers was working for the CBC in Canada, he developed and hosted the first version of his show. Misterogers debuted in 1962 and ran for several years. This is where Fred Rogers developed many of the ideas for his show that would continue for years. One of these ideas was the original Trolley, which was on display in the CBC Museum until it shut down.
WQED
After several years, Fred Rogers wanted to move back to his home town of Pittsburgh. He bought the rights to the show, and brought it to WQED, the first public television station in Pittsburgh. He had previously worked here as a puppeteer for a show called The Children’s Corner.
It was at this station that he further developed the show and modified the name to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Studio A became home to the show, which was used throughout the show’s run. Long after the show ended in 2001, Studio A was recreated into the show’s set again, for filming of the Tom Hank’s movie A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood.
Heinz History Center
The Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh is home to a number of set pieces and artifacts from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
On display is part of the living room set (with a Fred Rogers wax figure). This includes one of his benches, the front door, and the Picture Picture, his TV.
Next to the living room is King Friday XIII’s Castle from the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. King Friday XIII himself is displayed in the castle.
The Great Oak Tree, also from the Neighborhood of Make-Believe is also on display. You can see the houses for X The Owl and Henrietta Pussycat here.
On display are a number of puppets, props, and costumes from the show. This includes one of the original Neighborhood Trolleys, and Mr. McFeely’s bicycle.
The Fred Rogers Center
The Fred Rogers Center at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, is an educational center run by the university. It is a program for the University’s students to advance their studies on digital media and learning.
The center has a small display on the 2nd floor that is open to the public. It features some costumes and props from the show. This area also features some info on the legacy of Fred Rogers, including a display on various guests of the show. They also have one of the Trolleys used on the show.
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