Latrobe exhibit on Fred Rogers’ influences to debut with kids’ activities, speakers, artifacts

Several generations of kids were gently guided by Latrobe native Fred Rogers during the three decades his “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” show aired on public television.

A new exhibit at Latrobe Art Center, running through March 22, will explore those who, in turn, had a hand in influencing and inspiring the late children’s television host.

“Friends in the Neighborhood: A Study of Fred Rogers’ Mentors and Loved Ones” will debut Saturday , from 3 to 5 p.m.

The event will feature activities for kids, including creating artistic musical instruments and writing letters to mentors and role models.

The exhibit features artifacts from the Rogers archive at the Fred Rogers Institute on the Saint Vincent College campus in Unity. During Saturday’s free event, 17 students who are part of the college’s Fred Rogers Scholars scholarship program will speak about their research in the archives, along with institute archivist Emily Uhrin.

Some of the students looked into Rogers’ mentors including: William Orr, his theology professor at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; child development professor Dr. Margaret McFarland, who served as a consultant on Rogers’ TV series; and his maternal grandfather, Fred McFeely, who owned the McFeely Brick Company in Latrobe.

According to the institute, Rogers’ grandfather was the source of his famous statement: “I like you just the way you are.”

Other students researched the life of Rogers’ wife, Joanne, and her mission to continue his legacy after his death on Feb. 27, 2003. A concert duo pianist, Joanne Rogers offered support for books and documentaries about her husband before her death on Jan. 14, 2021.

The exhibit opening is being presented with the help of the local Be My Neighbor Committee. The art center is located at 819 Ligonier St. in Latrobe.