The Man Behind Mister Rogers, away from the Neighborhood of Make-Believe

Fred Rogers, the popular PBS television personality of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” was loved by children everywhere during the show’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: “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”  The essence of that beloved show was captured by world-renowned photojournalist, Lynn Johnson.
 

In 2010, the distinguished photographer and OHIO alumna, Lynn Johnson, donated her collection of works to Ohio University 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 people— like Fred Rogers.

“For 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,” wrote NPR author Cathy Newman. “She was fiercely committed to documenting the man who could deeply connect with the hearts and minds of children.”

In an interview with Newman published in Feb. 2020, Johnson spoke about the man behind the beloved children’s television show from their shared hometown of Pittsburgh.  

“It was a delight being in his energy field," said Johnson.