I'm Gonna Make a Snappy New Day *snap snap*

Forget steel, forget technology, forget vaccines, forget medical breakthroughs, forget even football. Pittsburgh's best export was and always will be Fred Rogers. Forty years ago this week, a little public television show called Mister Rogers' Neighborhood debuted. It would go on to become the longest-running show on PBS and shaped the lives of countless people.

I can honestly say that I am a better person for having watched Mister Rogers and learning his lessons of compassion, kindness, and understanding. I met him once when I was about 5. I still remember it very clearly and how in awe I was of him and yet so comfortable, as though I was seeing an old friend. He autographed a postcard for me and I still have it. It's one of my most treasured possessions.

In honor of such a tremendous milestone and coinciding with the 250th anniversary of Pittsburgh, WQED will recreate the Mister Rogers' set and offer tours, along with other events honoring the contributions of Fred Rogers to Pittsburgh and the world. Won't you be my neighbor?

Comments

[Liana]

Oh how exciting!!!! Mr. Rogers is DEFINITELY one of my favorites...and it's SO cool his show was made in Pittsburgh! I MUST go to the recreation...yay!

[Kate]

I absolutely loved Mr Rogers. I truly think he was exactly as he seemed to be--a wonderful, caring person who loved everyone just as they are.

There are some wonderful things on Youtube, but they'll make you cry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7-LkBE_CkM and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlTjWUziZhg are my favorites.

[jive turkey]

Mr. Rogers is awesome. Have you ever seen that documentary about him, with the voiceover by Michael Keaton? I WEPT.

My uncle used to work at WQED and he once told me he walked by X the Owl's tree every morning on his way to work, which I thought was the coolest thing in the world.

Gonna go watch those youtube links now...

[Rachel]

I liked Mister Rodger's too when I was a kid. I feel like my son is getting the short end of the stick for having to watch these re-runs about a guy who is no longer alive. The same with Mr. Noodle's brother Mr. Noodle. Died in 2003 yet we still continue to watch him in re-runs. So can we get some new icons for the next generation who aren't visiting us from the great beyond?

[LauraJT77]

I never liked Mr. Rodgers. I loooved Mr. Dress-up (you canadians will understand).To me he was soo dull. However each time I see the beginning of his show I think that I wish children today had calming and positive shows like that for them to watch.