Fred Rogers was an icon of kindness and encouragement for many Americas while they were growing up, from the start of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in October 1966 until the airing of the final episode on August 31, 2001. His famous sweaters, gentle teachings and catchy tunes captivated and affirmed our evolving personalities, as he told us that we “made today a special day, just by being you”.
Many Central Floridians are unaware of Fred Rogers’ devotion to, and love of, the Central Florida community. First arriving here in 1948 to tour the Rollins Campus as a possible transfer student from Dartmouth, it was on the tarmac of today’s Orlando Executive Airport that Fred met another Tar student who would later become his wife, Joanne Byrd. Fred and Joanne’s son John, Fred’s sister Elaine, and her son Dan would also subsequently become students at the Winter Park college.
More importantly, the Rogers fell in love with Central Florida and returned each January for Fred to write scripts and music when working on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, authoring and composing about half of the content for the TV program here locally.
Fred’s shows taught millions the values of being kind to our neighbors, to loving ourselves and those around us, and to the human need and benefit of being a part of a neighborhood of inter-connected, yet diverse, people…every one of who was special in their own way. Mister Rogers’ Week of Kindness is an opportunity to reflect back on those messages, and introduce others to world of Mister Rogers, through a series of activities and events in the Orlando area hosted by members of the cast and crew of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Please note that all events are open to the public, but require advance reservation as each event is capacity controlled. Some events have a small registration fee.Your voluntary donation of a new or gently worn sweater to benefit One Heart for Women and Children, and/or a new or gently worn pair of shoes to benefit Addy’s Operation Shared Shoes is greatly appreciated for those who are able to donate. Donation boxes are available at each event.
Date: April 1-6, 2024, Continuous
Venue: Rollins College
Explore the neighborhood that shaped Mister Rogers on this self-guided walking tour of Rollins College, and find out how we’re keeping his legacy alive on America’s most beautiful campus. Along the way, you’ll experience exclusive Mister Rogers memorabilia and artwork and get a feel for how we’re educating the next generation of global citizens and responsible leaders
Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 7:00pm–8:30pm
Venue: Winter Park Library
Take a peek behind the scenes of some landmark episodes of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with show producer Margy Whitmer, Mr. McFeely cast member David Newell, and Hedda Sharapan, Senior Fellow (The Fred Rogers Institute) and Child Development Consultant (Fred Rogers Productions). Light reception follows the presentation.
Date: Thursday, April 4, 2024, 2:00pm–4:00pm
Venue: Woman’s Club of Winter Park
Join friends and colleagues of part-year Winter Park residents Fred and Joanne Rogers as we share warm stories and favorite memories of our former Winter Park Neighbors. There are very limited seats for this event.
Thursday, April 4 at the Woman’s Club of Winter Park, 419 South Interlachen Avenue (Winter Park), from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Free Street parking in the area is generally available. This is a free event but requires pre-registration.
Date: Friday, April 5, 2024, 7:30am–9:00am
Venue: First Orlando
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood cast member and close personal friend of Fred Rogers, David Newell, headlines a discussion with Reverend Seth Cain of The Foundry Center (and author of the sermon series “The Gospel According to Fred”), Margy Whitmer (producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood) and Hedda Sharapan (Senior Fellow, The Fred Rogers Institute) as they share their observations, near and from a distance, as to how Mister Rogers lived out his faith as we celebrate an extraordinary life of kindness and compassion. A free continental breakfast is included, courtesy of Panera Bread.
Friday, April 5 at First Orlando (formerly First Baptist Orlando), 3000 South John Young Parkway (Orlando), from 7:30am – 9:00am. Free parking is available in the church parking lot. This is a free event but requires pre-registration.
Date: Friday, April 5, 2024, 11:30am-1:30pm
Venue: Lonely Dog Immersive Experience
Join the cast and crew members of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Original Orlando Tours for a fascinating look at Fred Rogers’ life, his years of time spent in the Orlando area, how Winter Park played a critical role in the success and creation of episodes of the television show, and the legacy left behind by Fred and the rest of his family who also were a part of the fabric of the Central Florida community.
Our Orlando Neighbor, Mister Rogers is hosted by Lonely Dog Immersive Experience, Central Florida’s newest and most amazing immersive attraction. Lonely Dog’s messages of love, unity and building a better Neighborhood also complement the lifetime of kindness modeled, and wisdom shared, by Mister Rogers. Lunch will be provided at this event courtesy of Chick-fil-A.
This is another FREE event during Mister Rogers Week of Kindness, but there is limited seating. Please pre-register in advance.
Date: Friday, April 5, 2024, 7:30pm
Venue: John M. Tiedtke Concert Hall at Rollins College
Mister Rogers: The Musician is a program produced by the Rollins College Department of Music faculty and students performing some of the wonderful and varying music composed by Fred Rogers. It is a delightful program that will be sure to entertain the whole family.
Join us for a very special celebration of the musical compositions of Rollins College alumnus Fred Rogers as part of the festivities of Mister Rogers’ Week of Kindness.
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024, 10:00am-12:00pm
Meeting Place: 151 West Lyman Street, Winter Park
Please join us for a fascinating lifetime journey through the adventures of Fred Rogers. You hear the tales of growing up in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and how his path led him to Winter Park for many, many years. Visit the places that were important to him in Winter Park, including the street he lived on during his visits, making Winter Park one of his true Neighborhoods!
The tour departs from the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce at 151 West Lyman Street, Winter Park. This 10:00am tour, normally $42/pp, is being offered at no charge for Mister Rogers’ Week of Kindness, but does require pre-registration.
Operation Shared Shoes is an organization with one goal, to provide new or lightly used shoes to every single person who needs them and cannot get them for themselves. We strive to make a difference in the community, and help those who are less fortunate.
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. Operation Shared Shoes emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Established in 2017, we’re an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support.
One Heart for Women and Children is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity organization located in Orlando, Florida. We help individuals who are homeless or in times of transition by helping them meet their most essential needs. We help provide access to food, clothing, school supplies, personal hygiene items, household items, and more.
Our goal each and every day is that each and every person that interacts with One Heart not only receives the resources they need but also feels a sense of hope.
