Kermit the Frog

Description: The creation and alter ego of master puppeteer Jim Henson, Kermit the Frog is an American icon, recognized worldwide as the television star of Sesame Street and The Muppet Show.

For decades, Henson's adorably zany cast of Muppet characters has entertained children and adults alike with music, comedy, and life lessons. Kermit served as a crusader for tolerance through his hit song "(It's Not Easy) Being Green."

Location: Currently not on view

Object Name: puppet

Date made: 1970

user: Jim Henson Productions

Children's Television Workshop

Henson, Jim

maker: Henson, Jim

Jim Henson Productions

Physical Description: fiber, synthetic, rayon (overall material)

fabric, felt (overall material)

metal, wire (overall material)

plastic (overall material)

green (overall color)

Measurements: overall: 27 in x 28 in x 6 in; 68.58 cm x 71.12 cm x 15.24 cm

Place Made: United States: New York, New York

ID Number: 1994.0037.01

accession number: 1994.0037

catalog number: 1994.0037.01

subject: Puppetry

Radio and television broadcasting

Television broadcasts

Children's television programs

Motion Pictures

Popular Entertainment

See more items in: Culture and the Arts: Entertainment

Data Source: National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center

Related Publication: Kendrick, Kathleen M. and Peter C. Liebhold. Smithsonian Treasures of American History

Visitor Comments

11/14/2012 12:52:55 PM

Jared

Kermit The Frog, like so many of Jim Henson's creations, was a symbol of mine and many other happy childhoods throughout our nation. He taught us to imagine...

7/18/2013 2:38:01 PM

Maria

Kermit, is loved in every country

7/18/2013 2:54:42 PM

Paul

for those of us who grew up in the 70's-80's, watching Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, Kermit was an icon, like Barney or Clifford is today. (bigger then them in my opinion) It's nice to know that someone kept the original 'Kermee' so now we can show him to our kids, and explain his significance in our lives. It may not be easy 'Bein' Green', but Kermit will always be a top icon of Childrens TV with us!

7/18/2013 2:56:14 PM

Erin

Jim Henson was a visionary. He masterfully spoke of peace and understanding through Kermit and his other characters. i am honored to have lived in a time when I could respect his creative vision and only hope future generations realize his creaive genius.

7/18/2013 2:57:37 PM

Daniel

Kermit the Frog was more than a muppet he had a life of his own. Kermit will always be dear to my heart. Kermit and all the muppets gave me so many wonderful memories.

7/18/2013 3:10:38 PM

Tracy

As a child, I absolutely adored Kermit the Frog. I just visited the museum only yesterday and my eyes welled with tears as I took pictures with him. He brought back soo many great memories. I used to think Kermit was REAL and part of me still WANTS him to be!

7/18/2013 3:11:11 PM

Alan

Kermit was born in Washington, DC. He was first seen on Jim Henson's first show, "Sam And Friends," in 1955 on WRC-TV 4.

7/18/2013 3:13:51 PM

Maria

I love Kermit the Frog....ever since seeing him on TV when I was little, I was always amazed how a green frog can bring laughter and joy to a person. Now I share that joy with my daughter.

7/18/2013 3:15:08 PM

susan

Kermit and his Muppet friends showed us how to overcome stereotyping through humour, gentleness, and song. For that, I am forever grateful.

7/19/2013 10:44:24 AM

Erin

I always tell everyone, I can die happy, I've been to the smithsonian to see kermit! He was such a big part of my childhood in the early 70's...