Statue of Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog on the campus of the University of Maryland. (Credit: Flickr user benclark. Used via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.)

Statue of Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog on the campus of the University of Maryland. (Credit: Flickr user benclark. Used via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.)

The Muppets Take Maryland

Jim Henson’s shows and characters are renowned throughout the world. Creator of The Muppet Show, Labyrinth, and, of course, the beloved Sesame Street, Henson gained fame through his innovative puppetry, his unique characters, and his ability to tackle serious and educational subjects while still retaining the humor and sense of fun that characterized all of his work. By the late ‘60s, all of America was familiar with Henson and his creations. But the people of the D.C. area were the first to see his Muppets in action, and it was in D.C. that he got his first big break.