Mr. Don Herbert aka Mr. Wizard

On June 12, 2007 the wonderful world of science gave a very warm farewell to a very memorable Mr. Don Herbert aka, Mr. Wizard. Don's show "Watch Mr. Wizard" first aired on NBC in 1951. Several decades later the show would make a reprise on the popular children's network, Nickelodeon.

Having been properly armed with a degree in English and General Science, Don delighted home viewers as he taught scientific principles through means of simple yet, wondrous experiments. Science became all the rage among children through out the United States. Numerous honors ensued, including the Peabody Award. The experiments involved commonly used items found around the house, making this show both interactive and accessible. Any kid could host their own science experiments in the comfort of their own home.

We can say with certainty that Don Herbert was a pioneer of Children's Television. Before Bill Nye, before Scope, before any other science based programming there was "Watch Mr. Wizard." His memory will continue to inspire the creativity and imagination of children's entertainment professionals around the world. We will always keep him close to our hearts, fresh in our minds, and lit in our spirits. We, at the Children's Entertainment Hall of Fame, give special thanks to Don Herbert for all he has done for the industry.

Carlylia Muller
Communications Coordinator

February 2007 Meetings Successful

NEW YORK - December 29, 2006. Meetings for the Children's Entertainment Hall of Fame will be in held in early February 2007, to take advantage of the industry's gathering for the Kidscreen Summit and the American International Toy Fair.

The Kidscreen Summit is being held February 7-9 at the New York Hilton. Toy Fair is being held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center from February 11-14.

Bill Weber will be meeting with production companies, broadcasters, and potential sponsors during these two events.

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These next few months are a crucial time for CEHOF, as we need to enroll the support of producers, studios, sponsors, and friends. An organizational meeting, with the following agenda, will be held in the spring.

AGENDA FOR FUTURE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

1. Welcome, vision, and introductions
2. Explanation and discussion of steps to take
3. General Timeline
4. Form committees: Executive, Nominating, Banquet, Television, Museum, Public Relations, and others
  • Executive - file non-profit paperwork, enroll Board of Directors, enroll sponsors, set up meeting venues, etc.
  • Nominating - develop criteria, systems for nominating and voting, etc.
  • Banquet - arrange for event, invitations, venue, sponsorships, etc.
  • Television - create pitch for theme park special
  • Museum - investigate siting, design, etc.
  • Public Relations - CEHOF newsletter, media contacts, etc.
5. Questions and Comments
6. Planning of next meeting