Mister Rogers' Sweater

Mister Rogers' Sweater

<< >>
Description
This red knit cardigan was worn by Fred Rogers, creator and host of the children's program, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (PBS, 1968-2001). For more than thirty years, Rogers began each episode by changing into a sweater and tennis shoes and singing, "Won't you be my neighbor?"
An ordained Presbyterian minister, Rogers dedicated his television career to promoting children's emotional and moral well-being. His show, with its friendly conversational style and trips to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, encouraged young viewers to feel loved, respected, and special.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
sweater
Date made
ca 1968 - 1984
Associated Date
1968-2001
user
Rogers, Fred
Physical Description
fiber, acrylic (overall material)
metal (zipper material)
Measurements
overall: 27 in x 31 in; 68.58 cm x 78.74 cm
ID Number
1984.0219.01
accession number
1984.0219
catalog number
1984.0219.01
Credit Line
Gift of Fred Rogers
subject
Television
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood {Television Program}
Television
See more items in
Cultural and Community Life: Entertainment
National Treasures exhibit
Clothing & Accessories
Popular Entertainment
Family & Social Life
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.   

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.

Comments

reply
I am so glad that the treasures that immediately take us all back to our childhoods are being cared for. I loved and love Mr. Rogers for always making each of us feel that we are special. Everyone should feel like that. I used to rush home from school and turn on the TV to watch this wonderful, wholesome show. I always felt better after that. Thank you, Mr. Rogers Your gentle spirit is so needed in today's world. RIP ❤️

Paula Holic

Thu, 2019-10-24 09:12

reply
I was terribly disappointed to find the sweater was not on display for our visit —the first visit for our son. Mr Rogers was one of the only constants of my childhood, an inspiration our nation needs now more than ever and truly a national treasure. I’m so sad to have missed this connection to an extraordinary human being.

Tiphanie Benoit

Thu, 2019-04-04 08:04

reply
It is too bad that it isn't on permanent exhibit. For those that commented here about wanting to see some objects that belonged to Mister Rogers...Pittsburgh Children's Museum has the gold colored sweater, a pair of his sneakers and several of the puppets used to the show. They are displayed in a way that you can examine them all fairly closely.

Aurora

Thu, 2019-03-21 16:30

reply
A man that touched many, many lives. This is a priceless item. I agree with a previous comment. I would travel across the globe to see this.

Christian Tibbetts

Thu, 2019-02-14 09:31

reply
Please please PLEASE put the sweater back on display. The world needs it more than ever.

mistie roundtree

Thu, 2017-05-25 11:45

reply
Hello, Thank you for your interest in the Entertainment Collection at the National Museum of American History. We share your enthusiasm for Mister Rogers and his sweater but we must balance our desire to give every visitor a chance to see the sweater with our mission to preserve the object, which means giving it rest to slow deterioration due to the effects of gravity, light, heat, and humidity. That being said, we are excited to have the opportunity to display it this year in an exhibition on the history of children's television, T is for Television, from late November 2017 through May 2018. I hope that you will be able to visit to view the sweater in this temporary exhibition, and treasure the thought that many thousands will have the experience of seeing it during that time.

Ryan Lintelman

Wed, 2018-04-18 09:57

reply
Thank you for displaying Mister Rogers' sweater again. I look forward to visiting the museum this winter.

William

Thu, 2017-12-07 11:34

reply
"Please put it back on view, I wanted to bring my children to see it but it's not on display.. I grew up with him and with his shows being available on demand (along with the new animated show) it's just as relevant as it was before. "

Bobak

Wed, 2016-05-25 22:47

reply
I would travel the world to see that sweater.

Nicholas Chuchman

Sun, 2016-02-14 00:15

reply
"I whole-heartedly agree with Linda Berg's comment. As silly as it may seem, when I think of a specific artifact housed by the Smithsonian, this sweater is the first to come to mind. It is the iconic item of the man who was cherished by generations of American children, now grown up, traveling, and longing to see this comforting piece of their childhoods and our culture's history alongside all of DC's monuments to war and government."

Benjamin Warheit

Fri, 2015-06-05 17:07

reply
This is one of the most requested artifacts at the American History Museum. It would be nice to see it on view.

Linda Berg

Sat, 2015-03-21 09:41

reply
Fred Rogers you were the best! So many children learned so much from your television show! We miss you so very much! May you rest in peace.

Sharon Scarborough

Tue, 2014-06-17 20:34

Add a comment about this object