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
Television
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...
reply
7/18/2013 2:38:01 PM
Maria
Kermit, is loved in every country
reply
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!
reply
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.
reply
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.
reply
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!
reply
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.
reply
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.
reply
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.
reply
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...
reply
Add a comment about this object

Submit a comment or ask a question about this object using the form below. Submissions are moderated and may receive a curator response. Please note that we cannot evaluate or appraise your personal artifacts. For other questions or general inquiries please visit our FAQ or contact page.

Personal information will not be shared or result in unsolicited e-mail. See our privacy policy.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.