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!
Mister Rogers first sang this song in 1972 in an episode when he talked about history in general—and then his own history. This song might be particularly helpful for children who are dealing with a new baby in the family, or for children who are feeling like they are not big enough or old enough to do certain things.
Wynton Marsalis is just as excited to meet Mister Rogers as Fred is to hear his music. Marsalis is a young musician who has already achieved fame. Mister Rogers asks Marsalis for advice for young children who want to learn to play the trumpet.
In 1995, Fred Rogers devoted a week of programs to angry feelings. When Fred was angry, he would go to the piano and play out his feelings. During this "Mad Feelings" week of programs, viewers meet special guests and hear how they handle their emotions.
Children may become anxious and stressed when they are faced with winning and losing. Thus, Fred Rogers devoted a week of the Neighborhood to "Games." Children need reassurance that they will always be loved, no matter the outcome of the game they are playing.
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."
Andre Watts plays the first piece of music he learned on the piano. Watts describes how playing the piano when he is sad helps him to feel better, physically and mentally. Mister Rogers wonders if Watts ever made mistakes while he was learning.
By 1974, Fred Rogers had been working in children's television for twenty years. He started as a puppeteer on Children's Corner with Josie Carey and then made his way in front of the camera in the Canadian version of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
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.
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.
