Latrobe exhibit to focus on Fred Rogers' role as helper

Jeff Himler, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·2 min read

Feb. 20—Latrobe native Fred Rogers' efforts to help others is the focus of a month-long exhibit that begins Saturday at the Latrobe Art Center.

Presented in partnership with the Fred Rogers Institute at nearby Saint Vincent College, "Fred Rogers: Celebrating A Lifelong Helper" will kick off with an opening event from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Visitors will be able to view a temporary display of some Rogers-related physical artifacts from the institute's archives and will hear commentary from Saint Vincent students who have curated the exhibit and are participants in the Fred Rogers Scholars scholarship program. The event also will feature a children's activity and light hors d'oeuvres from Ricolita's Café, which shares space with the art center at 819 Ligonier St. in Latrobe.

Remaining on display throughout the month will be enlarged reprints of some of Rogers' speeches and quotes and drafts of his song lyrics, in addition to other documents, according to Sarah Goehring, the institute's director of programs.

The 24 items in the exhibit will be "centered around Fred's awards and achievements and how he has always been known as being a helper," Goehring said. They will be on view during regular hours at the art center: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. The exhibit will wrap up with a closing event from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 23.

It's the third time the Rogers Scholars have partnered on an exhibit at the art center.

"We are excited to have the scholars back for their new exhibit and are looking forward to continuing to preserve and spread the legacy of Fred Rogers," said Michael Tusay, the center's executive director.

The art center was founded in 2002 by Nancy Rogers Crozier, Fred Rogers' sister, and Elizabeth Hazlett. It offers classes, workshops and events as well as free admission to its galleries. Call 724-537-7011 or visit latrobeartcenter.org for more information.

Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.