What do Sesame Street and Andrew Carnegie have in Common?

Do you remember watching the credits roll after your daily dose of Sesame Street? When they would announce the sponsors who made the show possible along with the Children’s Television Workshop — now known as the Sesame Workshop? In the list of names is the Carnegie Foundation, founded by Andrew Carnegie. 

Andrew Carnegie was born in Scotland in 1835 and migrated to America in 1848 with his family. He became an amazing entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist. Starting as a millworker in a bobbin factory, then landing a job as a telegraph messenger boy, he learned the value of hard work and networking. When a man in his Allegheny, Pennsylvania community opened up his personal library to working boys, Carnegie grew intellectually and came to value a strong educational foundation.

Carnegie amassed his wealth by investing in railroads, iron, and bridges. He then founded the Carnegie Steel Company; which, after a good run, he sold to J.P.Morgan, who formed the United States Steel Corporation. This transaction was the largest-ever personal commercial transaction and equivalent to $13.7 billion in today’s prices. After John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie became the second richest man in the world.

Soon after the buyout, Carnegie’s focus turned to philanthropic efforts; and he immediately ensured there would be free public libraries in New York. In 1911 the Carnegie Corporation of New York was established “to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding.” It is this foundation that helped establish the Sesame Workshop.  

The Carnegie Corporation of New York is celebrating its one hundredth anniversary this year. Even though it seems Maria and Luis never age, they really do. Sesame Street is in its forty second season! Thank you, Mr. Carnegie!