The Fred Rogers Institute (FRI), established by Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, has long been a beacon for those inspired by the gentle wisdom of Fred Rogers. Known for his iconic red sweater and the beloved Daniel Striped Tiger, Fred Rogers left behind a legacy that continues to shape the support of children and families. At the heart of FRI’s mission lies the Fred Rogers Archive, a treasure trove of over 22,000 items—including handwritten notes, scripts, and personal correspondence—that tell the story of a man who brought kindness and understanding to generations. Recently, the FRI embarked on an ambitious project to digitize this collection, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for years to come. Thanks to a generous $20,000 grant from the Foundation, this vision is becoming a reality.
The Fred Rogers Archive Digitization Project aims to catalog and digitize the Archive’s extensive paper collection, with a special focus on personal letters between Fred Rogers and his lifelong friends, including Colcom Foundation’s benefactor, Cordelia Scaife May. This initiative, now in its second phase, builds on foundational work digitizing 10,000 key paper items, already underway. By Summer 2025, FRI plans to digitize an additional 50,000 documents, creating a robust digital asset management system that will open the collection to researchers, educators, and the public worldwide. This effort not only preserves fragile materials but also uncovers new stories and insights about Fred Rogers’ life and the relationships that shaped his work—stories that might otherwise remain hidden in aging paper.
The impact of this project extends far beyond preservation. The Archive supports over 1,000 educators annually through FRI’s programs, such as Educators’ Neighborhood and the Symposium Series, and fields around 15 research requests each month. Digitization will enhance equitable access to these resources, allowing a global audience to engage with Fred’s legacy in ways previously unimaginable. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the FRI anticipates increased public engagement and enriched educational programs, fueled by the insights gleaned from these newly accessible materials.
Colcom Foundation’s grant represents more than financial support—it’s a commitment to keeping Fred Rogers’ vision alive. As the FRI continues its work—guided by the Archive and fueled by initiatives like the Fred Rogers Scholars Program and the Work of Fred Conference—this project ensures that his lessons of empathy, curiosity, and care remain vibrant and relevant. For students, educators, and families alike, the digitized Fred Rogers Archive will serve as a living resource, inspiring future generations to build a world as kind and thoughtful as the one Fred imagined.