Sesame Street celebrates 40 years with a proclamation from the City of New York. Photo courtesy of Tobias Daniels. 

November 9, 2009 - On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the landmark children’s series, New York City proclaimed November 10 “Sesame Street Day” and unveiled a temporary street sign at 64th Street and Broadway across from Sesame Workshop’s corporate headquarters in honor of the program’s permanence and lasting impact on New York City’s history and four generations of children across the country. Present at today’s celebration were: Sesame Street creator, Joan Ganz Cooney; President & CEO, Sesame Workshop, Gary E. Knell; Sesame Street’s executive producer, Carol-Lynn Parente; NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta; NYC Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting Associate Commissioner Julianne Cho; and the Sesame Street gang including Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar, Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe, Bob McGrath (Bob), Emilio Delgado (Luis), Sonia Manzano (Maria), Roscoe Orman (Gordon), Dr. Loretta Long (Susan) and Alison Bartlett O’Reilly (Gina).

“Sesame Street reaches children around the world, but without a doubt, New York City is its home,” added Ms. Cooney. “It’s wonderful for the city to recognize where it all began.”

“We are proud to commemorate the world-renown children’s television series which laid its roots in New York City in 1968,” said CEO of NYC & Company George Fertitta, New York City’s tourism, marketing and partnership organization. “The vibrancy of NYC served as inspiration for the creation and content of Sesame Street; it is only fitting to celebrate the program’s 40th anniversary with a street-naming tribute to present the City’s very own Sesame Street.”

“Sesame Street has always been at the forefront of children’s television, presenting a multicultural world that is inclusive of everyone,” said Associate Commissioner Julianne Cho, Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting. “We’re so proud that Sesame Street calls New York City home because not only does the show promote learning to the City’s young people, but it’s also a dynamic factor in our economy, employing 300 individuals and contributing $135 million to the City’s economy each year.”

Sesame Street, the world’s largest informal children’s educator, launches its 40th season on PBS on November 10, 2009, the same day the series premiered on television four decades ago, with everything you love about Sesame Street and more -- new block format, new show open, new nature curriculum and our new First Lady Michelle Obama! In addition, nostalgic adults can look back at 40 years of the people, puppets, songs and scripts of Sesame Street with a new commemorative DVD release, Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days, and a new comprehensive, fully-illustrated behind-the-scenes, coffee-table book, Sesame Street: A Celebration -40 Years of Life on the Street.

In honor of the 40th birthday this month, Sesame Street and NYC & Company have released a line of co-branded plush toys and children’s apparel to commemorate the series’ New York City heritage. Dressed as an NYC fire fighter, police officer, taxi driver, and sanitation worker, and deemed “The Real Characters of New York City,” Big Bird, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, and Cookie Monster have been created by Gund to be sold in stores throughout the City. In addition, an assortment of children’s t-shirts featuring New York City agencies and Sesame Street characters are being sold exclusively at Toys R’ Us and Babies R’ Us stores.

To learn more about Sesame Street visit www.sesamestreet.org.

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that revolutionized children’s television programming with the landmark Sesame Street. The Workshop produces local Sesame Street programs, seen in over 140 countries, and other acclaimed shows to help bridge the literacy gap including The Electric Company and Pinky Dinky Doo. Beyond television, the Workshop produces content for multiple media platforms on a wide range of issues including literacy, health and military deployment. Initiatives meet specific needs to help young children and families develop critical skills, acquire healthy habits and build emotional strength to prepare them for lifelong learning. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.

MOFTB Associate Commissioner Julianne Cho (at podium) congratulates Sesame Street on its 40th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Tobias Daniels.

The corner of 64th Street and Broadway has temporarily been renamed '123 Sesame Street' in honor of the show's historic achievement. Photo courtesy of Tobias Daniels.

From left to right:  Dr. Loretta Long (Susan), Sesame Street creator Joan Ganz Cooney, Roscoe Orman (Gordon) President & CEO, Sesame Workshop, Gary E. Knell, Elmo, Murrary, Kevin Clash, Zoe, and Oscar the Grouch pose under the new 'Sesame Street' sign. Photo courtesy of Tobias Daniels.

Sesame Street ceator Joan Ganz Cooney (center) is joined by friends, Big Bird, Elmo, Abby Cadaby, Oscar the Grouch, Rosita, Cookie Monster, Murray and Grover. Photo courtesy of Tobias Daniels.