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More Muppets Coming to the Smithsonian


Bert and Ernie are among a donation of additional Jim Henson objects to the Smithsonian, in Washington, Sept. 24, 2013.
Bert and Ernie are among a donation of additional Jim Henson objects to the Smithsonian, in Washington, Sept. 24, 2013.
They taught two generations of American children how to read and count and made the world laugh on television. Now, the Muppets are taking their place in history.

The daughter of Muppets creator Jim Henson has donated another collection of her late father's beloved characters to Washington's Smithsonian Institution.

Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie, Elmo, Miss Piggy, and the Swedish Chef are among those taking a place next to Kermit the Frog and Oscar the Grouch, who found a home in the Smithsonian almost 20 years ago.

Cheryl Henson says the Muppets are more than just pieces of cloth -- they are a part of American culture.

"Also, many of these puppets have been in boxes for years. They have been tucked away in boxes and we don't want them to stay in boxes. We want people to see them and appreciate them," said Henson.

Jim Henson created the Muppets in the 1950s for a local Washington television show and a series of coffee commercials. They soared to fame in the early 1970s on the legendary children's educational program Sesame Street and global favorite The Muppet Show.
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