Legacy programming at the Puppeteers of America festival at University of Maryland

The Puppeteers of America’s festival was held from July 18-22 at the University of Maryland’s Stamp Student Union. Not only was this the site of Jim’s silk screen poster business during his student years at the University, but his statue sits out front, a favorite spot for photos. The Jim Henson Legacy organized several programs during the course of the festival. 

On July 21st, Legacy Chair Heather Henson and Legacy President Craig Shemin hosted a driving tour of Henson sites throughout the Washington Area. Along with the statue of Jim, POA members visited Jim’s family homes, his high school, the TV studio sites where he and Jane first performed the Muppets, and the Jim Henson Plaza in Driskell Park.

On July 22nd, Craig Shemin talked about his book, Sam and Friends: The Story of Jim Henson’s First Television Show which details Jim and Jane Henson’s earliest work which started while they were students at the University of Maryland.

On July 23rd, Heather Henson and Legacy Vice President Karen Falk brought a busload of puppeteers to Baltimore to see the Jim Henson Exhibition at the Maryland Center for History and Culture.

Craig Shemin and Heather Henson leading a driving tour of DC-area Henson sites. Photo: Richard Termine.

Heather Henson and Legacy Board Member Cheryl Henson at the festival.
Along with the Legacy activities, Cheryl Henson arranged for The Jim Henson Foundation to present
an exhibition of Richard Termine’s puppet photography at the UMD Performing Arts library, hosting a reception during the festival.

Heather Henson and Craig Shemin were honored by the Puppeteers of America during the
festival with the Advocacy and Writing awards. Photo: Tih Penfil.