- September 23, 2025
- By Maryland Today Staff
The University of Maryland will mark what would have been alumnus and Muppets creator Jim Henson’s 89th birthday on Sept. 24 with more than 20 activities and events across the campus and Discovery District on Wednesday—and many others extending beyond that.
On this year’s Henson Day, the university’s Arts for All initiative has joined forces with the Division of Research to help celebrate the themes of creativity, imagination and inspiration across our campus.
The occasion also highlights the legacy of the famed creative duo of Jim Henson '60 and his wife, Jane Henson '55, who began their work in puppetry while he was a UMD student.
Among the highlights on Wednesday:
Cookie Giveaway and Raffle (noon-3 p.m.) Jim Henson & Kermit Statue outside of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union: Take a seat next to Jim and Kermit the Frog to find some inspiration and enjoy a free cookie. Snap a photo with the pair and swipe your UMD ID to enter the raffle for a chance to win Henson goodies.
The Imagination Station (noon-3 p.m.) WeWork first-floor common space: Design and build your own unique puppet from raft materials. Classic films that celebrate Henson's art of puppetry and storytelling will be screened alongside the workshop.
Hands-on Making, Henson Style (9:30-10:30 a.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m.) 2101 Edward St. John Learning & Teaching Center: Embrace the Henson spirit of playful making with crafty activities, including making patches, buttons and more. Join the Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship for drop-in making time, open to all.
IMD Interactive Photo Booth (2:30-5:30 p.m.) Brendan Iribe Center Immersive Media Design Lab: This activity encourages playful interaction with technology and friends.
Buttons and Woodblock Prints (10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) Hornbake Library, ground floor: The library’s Letterpress Studio's tabletop Kelsey press will make Henson-themed buttons. Also: Find a specially carved Roosevelt Franklin woodblock to celebrate the original Roosevelt Franklin puppet on display in the Maryland Room.
“How Do You Henson?” (all day) Symons Hall lobby: The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources invites students to stop by the “How Do You Henson?” board, write their answer whether it’s through art, music, science, community, or something entirely your own—on a Post-it Note, and add it to the board.
Find the full lineup of events on the Henson Day 2025 webpage.