American Banjo Museum opening Jim Henson exhibit

The world-famous amphibian Kermit the Frog is taking up temporary residence in Oklahoma City as the star of a new exhibit, “Jim Henson – Life and Legacy,” at the American Banjo Museum, 9 E Sheridan Ave.

The exhibit pays tribute to Henson, who created the Muppets, from his boyhood in Mississippi to his innovations in early television to his omnipresence in generation-shaping media.

“Jim Henson — Life and Legacy” was curated by Karen Falk of The Jim Henson Company, according to a news release. It appears, in part, by a grant from the Jane Henson Foundation.

Throughout his career, Henson’s lifelong affection for the banjo was obvious, from Kermit’s earliest banjo appearance on “Sam and Friends” in the 1950s to “The Muppet Show” guest stars Roy Clark and Steve Martin to Muppet characters, including The Country Trio featuring a Muppet version of himself.

The poignant song “The Rainbow Connection” from 1979’s “The Muppet Movie” earned an Oscar nomination and forever tied Henson and Kermit with the banjo.

Because of that connection, Henson, who died in 1990, will be posthumously inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame during its annual hall of fame festivities Thursday through Sept. 8.

Running through August 2019, the exhibit will officially open at noon Sept. 8, when Heather Henson, Henson’s daughter, will be on hand to cut the ribbon for “Jim Henson — Life and Legacy.”

For more information, go to www.americanbanjo museum.com.