Mister Rogers' Sweater

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.

Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood premiered on NET (National Educational Television) in 1967 and was produced, on and off, until 2001, broadcast on NET's accessor PBS with reruns airing daily until 2008. The series was a popular and critical success, credited with breaking new ground in educational programming and earning Fred Rogers an Emmy for Lifetime Achievement in 1998.

This sweater, like every other one worn by Rogers in the series, was made by his mother, Nancy Flagg (née Nancy McFeely). Her name appears on the tag sewn inside its neckline.

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