The original Kermit the Frog puppet has been donated to the Smithsonian . Nine other puppets from the 1950s show `` Sam and Friends '' were also donated . `` Jim Henson embodied the innovation and ingenuity that are inherent in American culture . In addition, a new Muppet character named Miss Piggy was created for this special event. `` Sam and Friends '' aired from 1955 to 1961 .
The original Kermit the Frog puppet has been donated to the Smithsonian . Nine other puppets from the 1950s show `` Sam and Friends '' were also donated . In addition, a new Muppet character named Miss Piggy was created for this special event. `` Sam and Friends '' aired from 1955 to 1961 .