Miss Piggy joins Kermit in Smithsonian collection

By BRETT ZONGKER
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Miss Piggy is finally joining her love, Kermit the Frog, in the Smithsonian Institution's collection of Jim Henson's Muppets, and Bert and Ernie will have a place in history, too.

Henson's daughter, Cheryl Henson, donated more than 20 puppets and props Tuesday to the National Museum of American History. The donation included Miss Piggy and some of her co-stars from ``The Muppet Show'' including Fozzie Bear, Scooter and the Swedish Chef. Henson also donated a number of puppets from "Sesame Street" including Bert and Ernie, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, and Count Von Count.

The donation also included Boober Fraggle and Travelling Matt from "Fraggle Rock." Many of the puppets are the first constructions of the characters.

The museum was previously home to Oscar the Grouch, Kermit and the cast of Henson's early TV show "Sam and Friends." The collection includes the original Kermit the Frog creation and the more famous Kermit from "Sesame Street" and "The Muppet Show."

The museum says Miss Piggy will go on display in March 2014 in the museum's ``American Stories'' exhibit. The original Kermit and Cookie Monster will go on view in November in a special display case.