The National Museum of American History just created a new exhibit called "Puppetry in America". This exhibit is filled with some of the most memorable puppets that almost everyone will recognize. Some of the puppets will be a 1955 Kermit who was not yet a frog. He was made by Jim Henson from an old coat, kids jeans and ping pong balls for eyes. At the time he was a reptilelike thing, not yet a frog. Another puppet on display was a 1949 Howdy Doody who was he understudy of the Howdy Doody at the Detroit Institute of Art. One pair of puppets from the 1890's might be unfamiliar. They are Punch and Judy who were used by an English preacher in his traveling morality plays. The terms "Slapstick comedy", "Punch Drunk" and "pleased as punch" originated from the pair. The final puppet is a more recent puppet named Scraps used in the 2005 film, "Corpse Bride". He was used in the stop-motion film, which interestingly need 24 separate photos to create one second of film. In addition, animators had to make tiny changes to each character between shots to create the film. Needless to say it was a very hands on film. The curator hopes that patrons will broaden their understanding of the art of puppetry.
I believe this could be a very interesting exhibit. Many people grew up at least knowing who Kermit the Frog was, so even the youngest viewers may be able to make the connection between the Kermits. The history surrounding the creation and use of all the puppets could prove to be very enlightening and maybe they could include an interactive part for children where they could create their own puppet.
Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2013/12/12/a-hand-in-history-puppetry-in-america-at-the-national-museum-of-american-history/
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