History Center Partners with City of Pittsburgh to Offer Popular “Kindness Zone” Street Signs
As the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania celebrates its annual 143 Day this weekend in honor of Pittsburgh’s most beloved neighbor, Fred Rogers, the Senator John Heinz History Center has partnered with the City of Pittsburgh to become the exclusive retailer for their popular “Kindness Zone” street signs.
The Smithsonian-affiliated History Center, home to the iconic television set and artifacts from the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” children’s show, will sell three different versions of the Kindness Zone sign, as well as magnets and stickers, at its Museum Shop location (1212 Smallman Street in the Strip District) and online atshop.heinzhistorycenter.org beginning today.
First unveiled by the City in 2019, the Kindness Zone signs have been installed in dozens of locations around Pittsburgh, including one outside of the History Center.
"As the home to the ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ exhibition and collection, the History Center preserves Fred Rogers’ legacy for future generations,” said Andy Masich, president and CEO of the History Center. “We’re excited to partner with the City of Pittsburgh to help spread Fred’s universal message of kindness beyond the city streets and into the homes, schools, and businesses in our community.”
All proceeds from the Kindness Zone signs, which are produced by the History Center at no cost to the City, will benefit the museum’s educational programs and exhibitions.
Pricing for these products range from $3.95 for the weatherproof stickers to $44.95 for the replica street signs, which are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The History Center Museum Shop will also offer special discounted bulk pricing for businesses and schools interested in purchasing signs to support the museum and spread kindness within their own organizations and communities. Interested organizations can contact museumshop@heinzhistorycenter.org for bulk product orders of 12 or more.
Mister Rogers at the History Center
The History Center’s permanent “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” exhibition in the museum’s fourth floor Special Collections Gallery features the largest collection of original items from the iconic television show on public view, including the entryway and living room set that Mister Rogers walked through to begin each show; King Friday XIII’s Castle; Great Oak Tree, the residence of Henrietta Pussycat and X The Owl; Mr. McFeely’s “Speedy Delivery” tricycle; and more.
Fred Rogers’ iconic sweater and Sperry shoes are also on view, along with a special section that includes casual clothing and other textiles worn by Rogers while off-screen.
Visitors can also purchase unique “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” books, t-shirts, mugs, and other products in the History Center’s Museum Shop, in-person or online.