Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

Visit the fourth floor Special Collections Gallery to see the largest collection of original items from the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” television set on public view.

Featuring select artifacts from the popular children’s show, the new display marks the first time these items are on long-term view. Highlights from the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” installation include:

The entryway and living room set that Mister Rogers walked through to begin each show;
King Friday XIII’s Castle;
Great Oak Tree, the residence of Henrietta Pussycat and X The Owl;
Picture Picture, the display that helped Mister Rogers teach children using interactive media;
McFeely’s “Speedy Delivery” tricycle; and
A variety of additional items from the “Neighborhood of Make-Believe,” including King Friday XIII’s telephone, Henrietta Pussycat’s outfit, Chef Brockett’s hat, Harriett Elizabeth Cow’s desk, and the bench that Mister Rogers sat on during each show.

Also on view is a life-like figure of Mister Rogers, wearing his iconic sweater, necktie, khakis, and sneakers.

Mister Rogers' clothing on view in the Special Collections Gallery.

Recently donated to the History Center by Rogers’ wife, Joanne Rogers, clothing worn by Rogers both personally and professionally, is on view in the textile gallery, across from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” in the Special Collections Gallery now through spring 2020.

Highlights include one of his favorite jumpsuits to wear around the house; a black button-up shirt worn behind-the-scenes while doing puppetry for “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” episodes; a brown cardigan sweater made by his mother, Nancy McFeely Rogers; assorted ties and bowties; and more. A costume worn by Officer Clemmons on the show is also on display.

Dr. Bill and Elsie Jean Platypus

Dr. Bill Platypus, his wife Elsie Jean Platypus, and their daughter Ana Platypus were a family of duck-billed platypuses who lived in the platypus mound. They were introduced in season two of the series.

Grandpere Tiger

Grandpere lived in the Eiffel Tower in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. He enjoyed teaching the other puppets French words. His granddaughter Collette would occasionally visit him in the Neighborhood and caused much jealousy due to her beauty. Grandpere allowed Dr. Bill Platypus to have an office in the Eiffel Tower.

Cornflake “Corny” S. Pecially

Fred Rogers voiced the beaver-like character of Cornflake, who owned a factory that specialized in rocking chair production. Corny was one of the first puppets to appear on the precursor to “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”—“Misterogers”—which aired in Canada.

Celebrate Mister Rogers with the Google Doodle from September 21, 2018.

“I’m so thrilled that Google is celebrating Fred and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with this charming tribute.This stroll through the Neighborhood is delightful, and Fred’s gentle kindness is beautifully captured in the Doodle.” – Joanne Rogers