Mr. Dressup to Degrassi

This exhibition explores Toronto’s history and its media industry, specifically through the lens of children’s television production.

Two children wearing headsets sit with their backs to the camera as they watch a TV set. The TV screen shows a woman sitting on a couch. Both children sit with their left arms resting on a table next to them. The child closest to the camera rests the left side of his head on his arm. — Engagement at the Mr. Dressup to Degrassi exhibit, May 24, 2023. Nominee for the 2024 Heritage Toronto Public History Award. Image by Rebecca Tisdelle-Macias. Courtesy of Museum of Toronto.

Engagement at the Mr. Dressup to Degrassi exhibit, May 24, 2023. Nominee for the 2024 Heritage Toronto Public History Award. Image by Rebecca Tisdelle-Macias. Courtesy of Museum of Toronto.

A group of kids and adults at a crafts table. The table is covered in construction paper, arts supplies, and felt puppets. In the background of the image is a puppet sitting on a platform on a stage. Printed on the wall behind the stage is large text that reads "Today's Special." — Visitors to the Mr. Dressup to Degrassi exhibit, May 24, 2023. Nominee for the 2024 Heritage Toronto Public History Award. Image by Rebecca Tisdelle-Macias. Courtesy of Museum of Toronto.

Visitors to the Mr. Dressup to Degrassi exhibit, May 24, 2023. Nominee for the 2024 Heritage Toronto Public History Award. Image by Rebecca Tisdelle-Macias. Courtesy of Museum of Toronto.

A museum exhibit installation. In the foreground of the photo are two chairs facing a television set showing an image from a black and white TV show. The walls surrounding the TV set and chairs are covered in wallpaper imitating stone. Giant building blocks displaying text about the exhibit can be see in the left corner of the area. — TV space at the Mr. Dressup to Degrassi exhibit, May 24, 2023. Nominee for the 2024 Heritage Toronto Public History Award. Image by Rebecca Tisdelle-Macias. Courtesy of Museum of Toronto.

TV space at the Mr. Dressup to Degrassi exhibit, May 24, 2023. Nominee for the 2024 Heritage Toronto Public History Award. Image by Rebecca Tisdelle-Macias. Courtesy of Museum of Toronto.

Project Lead: Heidi Reitmaier, Executive Director, Museum of Toronto

Associate Curator: Bria Dietrich, Public Programs & Learning, Museum of Toronto

Co-Curator: Ed Conroy, Retrontario

Project Website

Date of Release: May 24, 2023

“Mr. Dressup to Degrassi: 42 Years of Legendary Toronto Kids TV” was an exhibition at Museum of Toronto (formerly Myseum of Toronto) that explored Toronto’s history and its media industry, specifically through the lens of children’s television production. The exhibition celebrated Toronto’s heritage by examining the city’s role in the evolution of children’s television from 1952 to 1994.

“Mr. Dressup to Degrassi” engaged the public by providing a framework for understanding how children’s television in Toronto influenced societal values and cultural norms. Highlighting beloved icons like Mr. Dressup’s Casey and Finnegan puppets and the whimsical props from the Tickle Trunk, the exhibition not only evoked cherished childhood memories but also provided hands-on interactive activities as a mean of educational tool. The exhibition encouraged visitors to share their personal memories and reflections, fostering a communal experience that underscores the impact of these shows on personal and collective identities.

Through immersive multimedia displays, archival footage, and meticulously recreated iconic sets, the exhibition delivered an engaging and nostalgic journey through Toronto’s television heritage, drawing in an audience exceeding 4,000 visitors.

Additional Project Members:

Museum of Toronto team:
April Hazan, Breanne Gimza, Davin Henson, Kamran Dadi, Julie Suh, Nadine Villasin Feldman, Natasha Mirosavljevic, Rosemary Snell, Sarah Tumaliuan
Exhibition Designer: Christine Elson, elsonstudio
Lead Preparator: Jos Theriault

Special thanks to Phil Guerrero, Gillian Hazan, Jason Hopley, Brenda Kamino, Nina Koegh, Peter Pavement of Surface Impressions, Puppetry Stuff Canada, Jamie Shannon, and Nerene Virgin.

Museum of Toronto would like to acknowledge Judith Lawrence as the original creator and puppeteer of Mr. Dressup’s Casey and Finnegan, whose likenesses are featured in the exhibit.