Birthplace of the Frog: An Exhibit of Jim Henson's Delta Boyhood is a special exhibit housed in the Washington County Tourist Center/Leland Chamber of Commerce building in Leland, Mississippi. The exhibit was given as "a gift to the people of Leland" by Jane Henson and the Jim Henson Legacy. The exhibit originally opened in August 1991 as "The Jim Henson Memorial and Muppet Museum."[1] The exhibit features a tableau honoring Kermit the Frog's birth on Deer Creek, photographs from the Henson family albums, early Henson Company Christmas cards, letters from Jim Henson, and a video center with many of Henson's early works.
A separate room is filled with Muppet memorabilia and merchandise donated from the personal collections of various individuals.
A highlight of the exhibit is a replica of Kermit, donated to the museum for permanent display. He is posed sitting on a log playing his banjo in the Mississippi swamp. Located in a large glass display case, it is the centerpiece of this small museum.
A more recent addition to the museum is a collection of the puppets from the special "The Song of the Cloud Forest", which originally aired on The Jim Henson Hour in 1989. These puppets are on loan from the Jim Henson Legacy. Among the puppets on display are Milton and Ruth.
The gift shop features many items featuring the Leland, Mississippi logo with Kermit. A large plush Kermit is also available for guests to pose for pictures with.
Gallery[]
Gift shop[]
