51ĀŅĀ×

Fred Rogers, the popular PBS television personality of ā€œMr. Rogersā€™ Neighborhood,ā€ was loved by children everywhere during the showā€™s 33-year run (1968-2001). A soft-spoken and talented individual, Rogers, who was honored with numerous awards for his commitment to children, wrote hundreds of songs for the show including its theme: ā€œItā€™s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.ā€  The essence of that beloved show was captured by world-renowned photojournalist, Lynn Johnson.
 

In 2010, the distinguished photographer and OHIO alumna, , donated her collection of works to 51ĀŅĀ× Libraries, which meant access to her global, award-winning photographs became available to students and researchers.  

Her photos document stories of loss focusing on the many complex issues facing us today, and stories of hope that converge into a single snapshot from the eyes of everyday peopleā€” like Fred Rogers.

ā€œFor more than a decade, Lynn Johnson photographed the gentle host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: first for The Pittsburgh Press, then for Life magazine, and then for years after the assignment ended,ā€ wrote NPR author Cathy Newman. ā€œShe was fiercely committed to documenting the man who could deeply connect with the hearts and minds of children.ā€

published in Feb. 2020, Johnson spoke about the man behind the beloved childrenā€™s television show from their shared hometown of Pittsburgh.  

ā€œIt was a delight being in his energy field," said Johnson.