OHIO Libraries’ Lynn Johnson collection shows the man behind Mister Rogers in NPR photostory

Distinguished photographer and OHIO alumna Lynn Johnson spent many years photographing the beloved Fred Rogers, the popular PBS television personality of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” who was loved by children everywhere during the show’s 33-year run (1968-2001).

Recently, NPR published the photostory “The Man Behind Mister Rogers, Away From The Neighborhood Of Make-Believe,” which features select images that also appear in the Libraries’ collection of Johnson’s photographs that captured the essence of Rogers and the show.

In 2010, Johnson donated her collection of works to Ohio University Libraries, allowing for students, faculty, researchers and community members to have access to her global, award-winning photographs.

Her photos document stories of loss focusing on the many complex issues facing us today, and stories of hope that converge into a single snapshot from the eyes of everyday people — like Fred Rogers.

“For more than a decade, Lynn Johnson photographed the gentle host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: first for The Pittsburgh Press, then for Life magazine, and then for years after the assignment ended,” wrote NPR author Cathy Newman. “She was fiercely committed to documenting the man who could deeply connect with the hearts and minds of children.”

In an interview with Newman published in February 2020, Johnson spoke about the man behind the beloved children’s television show from their shared hometown of Pittsburgh. 

“It was a delight being in his energy field," said Johnson.