HAEYC Speech
In this speech Fred Rogers mentions Helen Ross, one of his mentors. She consulted with Fred on his projects beyond the production of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Helen was an educator who had studied psychoanalysis with Anna Freud.
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.
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Margy Whitmer Oral History
Margy Whitmer was the producer of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and worked closely with Fred starting in the early 1980s. In this oral history clip she tells about the public service announcements Fred filmed during difficult times.
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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.
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September 1996
Fred Rogers wrote this article for Pittsburgh Magazine. He wrote these statements to accompany theme weeks of the Neighborhood. This piece went along with the week on "Play." Play can help children deal with difficult times in their lives.
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Saint Vincent College
One of Fred Rogers' famous quotes is, "The child is in me still—and sometimes not so still." Our childhoods—our pasts—are part of us. Fred called himself an "emotional archaeologist" because he was interested in the origins of people's reactions to all types of situations.
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David Newell Oral History
David Newell played Mr. McFeely for the entire run of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. He explains that Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was filmed like a live show, with very long takes. Although Fred was not always comfortable in front of the camera, he would light up when Mr. McFeely came to the door.
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Art Vogel Oral History
Art Vogel was a cameraman at WQED who spent many years filming Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Vogel witnessed some of those times when Fred would go to the piano to express his anger.
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Mister Rogers Visits STOMP
Mister Rogers visited the cast of STOMP during "Mad Feelings" week. During the week of programs, Mister Rogers explored the question, "What do you do with the mad that you feel?" Fred was known to go to the piano when he was dealing with angry feelings.
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.