The Fred Rogers Archive

The Fred Rogers Archive preserves over 22,000 items from Fred Rogers' personal and professional life. The Archive is essential to the work of the Fred Rogers Institute, and is a source for research into children’s television, early childhood development, and Fred Rogers’ unique role in bridging both fields. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers may request access provisions to study Fred’s life and legacy. Please complete the form below to reach out to our Archivist. Below, you can explore a sampling of the Archive - you're sure to find a treasure!
 

Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Fred Rogers Archive with Mr. McFeely

David Newell, best known as Mr. McFeely, the beloved “Speedy Delivery” man on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, takes viewers behind the scenes of the Fred Rogers Archive. From the Giant Crayon and the Knock Box to Fred’s very first episode script, David offers a unique glimpse into the history of the show, sharing memories and stories that bring these special pieces of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to life.

 

Sign Language

Fred Rogers studied many languages throughout his life, including French, Spanish, Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and American Sign Language. He presented these languages in different ways throughout the Neighborhood series.

Read more

Pianos
Image

Pianos

Johnny Costa provided the piano music for Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. He was the music director until his death in 1996. He and Fred were great friends and bonded over their music practice.

Read more

Chuck Aber Oral History

Chuck Aber was a frequent neighbor on the television program, both in Mister Rogers' real world and the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. In this oral history, Aber remembers rehearsing for the television operas, specifically "Josephine the Short-Neck Giraffe" and "Spoon Mountain."

Read more

Grandson
Image

Grandson

Alexander Rogers was one of Fred Rogers' favorite people. Fred was elated to become a grandfather and found that role to be one of life's greatest gifts. This photo shows Fred and Alexander interacting while reading a book. Fred often spoke about his pleasant memories of his parents reading to him when he was a child.

Read more

Promotion Packet February 1989
PDF

Promotion Packet February 1989

These materials tell about the special guests and Neighborhood of Make-Believe storyline from the Neighborhood week on "Fun and Games." Fred Rogers' message seems to be that joining a team and learning a game can be difficult, but persistence and a desire to play can lead to much joy in a sport.

Read more

Around the Neighborhood

Each "Around the Neighborhood" newsletter focuses on a Neighborhood theme week. The front page of the newsletter is an explanation of the child psychology theories behind each theme week.

Read more

Sam Newbury Oral History
Video

Sam Newbury Oral History

Sam Newbury, initially a producer for Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, went on to work on some of Fred's projects beyond the television program, including professional development and educational materials.

Read more

Thoughts 1486-1490
PDF

Thoughts 1486-1490

In the week of programs about "Play," Mister Rogers plays with wooden blocks and a toy tractor. He and other musicians try out different instruments throughout the week, and Mister Rogers even walks on stilts.

Read more

Mister Rogers Talks About Divorce
Video

Mister Rogers Talks About Divorce

Mister Rogers talks to his viewers about divorce. He says that even though it is an adult issue, it is an important matter that everyone can talk about. Mister Rogers pretends that the king, queen, and prince are having a picnic. In the park, the king and queen have a number of disagreements.

Read more

Contributing to the Archive

If you have an item you believe belongs in the Fred Rogers Archive, please let us know! The items in the Archive must be directly related to Fred Rogers and his production company. We do not accept self-created items such as creative, journalistic, or research writings, or artwork. We do not purchase items to include in the Archive or sell memorabilia from the Archive. 

Contact the Archivist

The Fred Rogers Institute Archivist is available for requests and inquiries from students and researchers. 

Contact