Pair of sneakers worn by Fred Rogers on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

Pair of sneakers worn by Fred Rogers on the children's television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The blue low top Sperry Top-Sider sneakers have white rubber soles and canvas upper, with flat cloth laces.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was produced by WQED-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and aired on public television across the nation from 1968 to 2001. Rogers began each episode by changing into a sweater and tennis shoes and singing, "Won't you be my neighbor?" An ordained Presbyterian minister and student of children's development and education, 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.