ACE objects conservator, Rhonda Wozniak, is responsible for the yearly maintenance and bimonthly inspections of the Tribute to Children, aka the Fred Rogers Memorial on the North Shore of Pittsburgh.
While on-site, she has experienced the most touching displays of reverence and affection for Fred Rogers. This sculpture is truly loved by all—young & old alike. We are proud to be a part of its preservation for present and future generations to enjoy.
With the release of the film, A beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, we thought we would share some of Rhonda’s heartwarming stories and visitors at the sculpture.
Rhonda Wozniak conserving the Tribute to Children bronze sculpture by Robert Berks
Sometimes when I arrive on site with my crew, we find items that people have left at the sculpture. One day, we came upon this glass pillar cathedral candle in his hand. When we looked more closely, we saw that it read “Please Help Canonize Fred Rogers.”
Another day, we found these “kindness stones” with a beautiful note that a young girl had left on her birthday. The note read, “For my Birthday, take a stone of KINDNESS and share them with a neighbor.”
Then, there is this Mr. Rogers/Steeler fan, who told us that he visits the sculpture every year on his birthday to share a “cigar” with Fred. Now that he has stopped smoking, he has traded the cigars for pretzel rods.
Here is another fan that visits just to be close to Mr. Rogers because he was special to her as a child. Note her “You are Special” t-shirt.
And, of course, children love him too (well almost all of them).
And, we can’t forget the puppies.
Personally, my favorite visitor was Mrs. Joanne Rogers herself!
We hope that you enjoyed some of the fun we’ve had taking care of one of Pittsburgh’s most treasured neighbors.