PITTSBURGH -- Mr. Rogers fans wearing their favorite sweaters converged in Pittsburgh on Saturday for a birthday celebration honoring one of the city's favorite neighbors.

Fred Rogers, a native of Latrobe and star of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” would have turned 82 on Saturday. The Heinz History Center unveiled a lifelike wax statue of Rogers during a dedication Saturday morning. A bronze statue sits on the city's North Shore.

"History is a place for people, and Fred would have deeply agreed with that and he would have been delighted to be one of the people in Pittsburgh history," said Joanne Rogers, Fred Rogers' widow.

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The new figure sits on the original bench from the public television show, wearing Rogers' actual sweaters and sneakers.

"Fred Rogers was one of those amazing individuals who, in his quiet way, made the world a better place. He, through his programming at WQED -- America's first public television station -- made kids feel at home, made them feel a part of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood," said Andy Masich, CEO of the Heinz History Center.

"Fred Rogers was one of those amazing individuals who, in his quiet way, made the world a better place." - Andy Masich, CEO of the Heinz History Center "Fred is one of the greatest Pittsburghers of the 20th century." - Maxwell King, Fred Rogers Center

The exhibit is centered on Pittsburgh innovators, and those who know his work said he belongs in that category after changing the way children watched and used television.

"Fred is one of the greatest Pittsburghers of the 20th century," said Maxwell King, of the Fred Rogers Center. "He used television in a very special way to reach children and to help children in their early years with education and development."

On Friday, Pittsburgh City Council member Bill Peduto read a proclamation declaring Saturday "Won't You Be My Neighbor Day" before a crowd of college students and volunteers at Schenley Plaza in Oakland.

Also in attendance was David Newell, who starred alongside Rogers as “Mr. McFeely."

"This is my 40th year in the neighborhood and these are kids that grew up with the program, and it just feels wonderful to know that what we've done over these many years has inspired you and you to volunteer," said Newell.

University of Pittsburgh freshman Jamie Falco, who volunteers at the Mattress Factory, said Rogers inspired her to “make the neighborhood a better place.”

"I loved him. I watched him every single day when I was little and it was one of my favorite shows," said University of Pittsburgh freshman Jamie Falco.

The United Way is hoping to recruit more volunteers like Falco to carry on Roger’s legacy of being a good neighbor.

"Part of it also is that we have something special to give to others. United Way and Family Communications are going to have an annual event on his birthday, March 20, to celebrate and inspire volunteerism in the community," said Bob Nelkin, of the United Way of Allegheny County.

Those looking to become volunteers can find out more at PittsburghCares.org.

To celebrate Mr. Rogers' birthday, the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh offered free admission until 5 p.m. on Friday.

Related Links:

Pittsburgh Cares: Volunteering Made Easy

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