Visit Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, see iconic wardrobe
Officials at the Heinz History Center note that they often have multi-generational visitors coming to see the Mister Rogers' Neighborhood display, which includes the original television set pieces from the long-running show.
The Mister Rogers' Neighborhood display at the Heinz History Center now includes the iconic blue Sperrys worn by Fred Rogers.
The Mister Rogers' Neighborhood display at the Heinz History Center now includes the well-known green cardigan worn by Fred Rogers.
The Mister Rogers' Neighborhood display at the Heinz History Center includes the original television set pieces of the Great Oak Tree, home of Henrietta Pussycat and X the Owl.
The Mister Rogers' Neighborhood display at the Heinz History Center includes the original television set pieces of King Friday XIII's castle.
For going on three years now, the fourth floor of the Senator John Heinz History Center has been transformed into the world of Make-Believe.
Now, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood airing on TV, its founders iconic cardigan and sneakers will also be on display.
Fred Rogers, who was born in Latrobe and created the children’s television show in 1968, died in 2003 in Pittsburgh.
“This year is very special,” said Brady M. Smith, director of marketing and communications at the Heinz History Center. “We’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of that first episode being aired, and to top it off, (last) Tuesday would have been Rogers’ 90th birthday.”
“Because of all of that, to honor his legacy, we installed his signature cardigan and iconic Sperry sneakers, all of which he wore during the show,” Smith said, adding that those two pieces were worn primarily during the 1980s.
“The cardigan sweater and Sperry shoes were a staple of ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,’ which aired nearly 900 episodes nationally from Feb. 19, 1968 through Aug. 31, 2001. At the beginning of every show, Rogers – while singing his signature “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” song – would go to his closet, grab his sweater and comfortable sneakers, and put them on. At the end of the show, the whole ritual was reversed. Most of Rogers’ sweaters were hand-knit by his mother,” according to a press release from the History Center.
The green sweater and blue sneakers were already a part of the collection, but were not on display as they were instead on a traveling exhibit called “1968,” which ironically visited Pittsburgh several years ago.
Smith said the classic get-up is now back in Pittsburgh where it belongs.
“It’s been a very busy week in our neighborhood, there’s definitely been an uptick in people here,” Smith said with a laugh. “People are drawn to Fred Rogers and the legacy of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
He noted that the memory of Rogers has been very visible in the public eye recently with the additional unveiling of a commemorative stamp by the United States Postal Service.
Smith said there are often a lot of emotions associated with visiting the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood exhibit.
“When people walk into that floor and see the set pieces, they’re often taken back with feelings of nostalgia, and there are often tears shed. It brings back memories of their favorite show,” Smith said.
The display includes all original television set pieces, including King Friday XIII’s Castle and the Great Oak Tree that’s also the home of Henrietta Pussycat and X The Owl. Mr. McFeely’s “Speedy Delivery” tricycle is also prominently displayed alongside a number of other “Neighborhood of Make-Believe” memorabilia like Chef Brockett’s hat, Harriett Elizabeth Cow’s desk and Rogers’ iconic bench.
The Heinz History Center website indicates that the exhibit also includes a life-like figure of Mister Rogers, decked in his well-known sweater, necktie, khakis and sneakers.
“It’s become one of the most popular exhibits, if not thee most popular,” Smith said.
He added that the number-one question they field from visitors is whether everything is real.
“I can’t tell you the number of times they’ve asked,” Smith said with a laugh, “but they’re absolutely all real. They’re the real deal, and they’ve stood the test of time. Our conservationists worked hard to make sure they were kept in great conditions for future generations.”
“We see, so often, multi-generational families come in here, even grandparents and adult children and their grandkids,” Smith added, noting that Rogers’ legacy is kept alive for this generation through Daniel Tiger, who was inspired by Rogers.
Smith said children typically react favorably to the display and seeing all of the puppets.
The exhibit, including the shoes and sweater addition that opened on March 20, will remain open for the foreseeable future, Smith said.
Located on Smallman Street in the Strip District, the History Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.