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
Credit Line
Jim Henson Productions (through Leslee Asch)
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...
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7/18/2013 2:38:01 PM
Maria
Kermit, is loved in every country
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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8/18/2013 7:21:28 PM
Behn
I was star struck - my childhood sat there waving back at me. I can't wait to see him again!
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6/11/2014 7:58:34 PM
Neill Smith
I grow up in Mississippi till 20 years old. My mother remarried to the manager of auditorium and planetarium of Jackson, MS. I meet Jim and had a feather of big bird at 1980 or 81. At 19 years old I worked on a delivery truck that my father ran the largest lumber yard in Mississippi at the time. It was in the summer and on lunch break that I had only water was tied and sad of my place in life. I was leaning against a stone monument under a tree beside a man made canal in the Delta. I was thinking how sad that I was the boss's son being punished for being me. I gather up the strength to wonder what this cooler stone was on the other side under the oak tree that had the limbs almost to the ground. Jim Henson's was at the same spot when he thought of Kermit the frog. I was happy and the thought of food left my discomfort suddenly. I knew all will be o.k. and life is a roller coaster ride. Enjoy when its hear and appreciate the moment in hand. I lost the feather in house fire. Jim was very nice to me and liked my mom for setting up the tour in the states.
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8/16/2015 12:20:48 AM
Dianne
Kermit the Frog's birthplace is actually Leland, Mississippi. This is the town where Jim Henson grew up and developed the Green Star. On my way to Arkansas, I have stopped many times at the welcome station that houses the small museum and gift shop. Many original photos of Jim are displayed, plus a film to view and locals man the facility and enjoy sharing memories of their favorite son. Leland is between Greenville, and Indianola, B.B. Kings birthplace, museum and burial grounds.
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