Pittsburgh’s favorite neighbor would have turned 96 on Wednesday.
To celebrate the life of Fred Rogers, host of the long-running WQED children’s show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh on the North Side is offering free admission on March 20.
Rogers was born on that date in 1928 in Latrobe.
He was instrumental in helping design some exhibits at the museum.
“He inspired us in so many ways,” said Max Pipman, senior director of communications and visitor services for the museum. “Free admission is a way to honor Mister Rogers, who inspired creativity, curiosity and kindness.”
Offering free admission on his birthday has been happening for many years, Pipman said.
“His legacy is universal and timeless,” Pipman said. “His message is so relevant today. This is a big day for us.”
Pipman said he expects a large crowd even though March 20 a weekday.
In the museum’s nursery space, guests can see memorabilia such as original puppets King Friday XIII, Queen Sara Saturday, Henrietta Pussycat, X the Owl, Lady Elaine Fairchilde, Daniel Striped Tiger and Gran Pere.
One of Rogers’ iconic sweaters is located in The Kindness Gallery. There are images of Rogers on display.
The museum worked with Rogers and his company Family Communications to create “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: A Hands-on Exhibit.” A sister exhibit traveled to other museums across the country.
The traveling exhibit was given to the Louisiana Children’s Museum, whose facility had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
In 2007, the Children’s Museum created the “How People Make Things” exhibit in collaboration with Family Communications to tell the story of how everyday items are manufactured, inspired by the factory tour segments from the show. It continues to tour to museums across the country.
The museum collaborated with Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, co-authors of “When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids.” They developed Pittsburgh’s first “Wonder Box” — a monument to the curiosity and wonder that Rogers gave the world.
Partnering with Behr and Rydzewski on the Wonder Box is another way to share Rogers’ kindness, Pipman said. Akin to a little free library, the Wonder Box will be filled with books, games and experiments for kids and adults.
“To this day he is still encouraging a sense of wonder and curiosity in not just children but in everyone,” Rydzewski said. “We can always learn something from Mister Rogers. His legacy endures. Children love the museum and we think they will love the Wonder Box too.”
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Note: Mister Rogers’ sneakers, sweaters and songbooks are located in the MuseumLab, which is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Details: pittsburghkids.org
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people and a weekly column about things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.