Museum of Science and Industry

The Characters

Charlie Brown. Snoopy. Lucy. Linus. Even just Peanuts characters' names can instantly bring to mind specific traits, sayings, objects, even sound effects. But depending on when you became a fan, you might be surprised at how they've grown…

Character Evolution

As recognizable as they are, the gang evolved quite a bit over the years, both in appearances and in their personalities. Early on, Linus was introduced as a teething baby, and Snoopy was but a mere pup. In the exhibit, you'll see side-by-side how these characters changed from decade to decade.

New Kids on the Block(head)

The '60s and '70s brought change, and the character lineup of Peanuts was no exception. Peppermint Patty (named for a dish of candy) arrived in 1966. After a written appeal from readers in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, Schulz introduced Franklin in 1968. Did you know Woodstock was named for the music festival? Find out more about your favorite characters from their biographies in the exhibit.

The Holidays

The Peanuts gang put their indelible stamp on many holidays, whether with rocks in trick-or-treat bags or popcorn and toast at the Thanksgiving table. Take a tour of holidays they celebrated in famous fashion: Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin at Halloween; the gang’s often ill-fated attempts at Thanksgiving togetherness; a search for the big meaning of Christmas with the littlest tree; Woodstock and Snoopy ringing in the New Year; and Charlie Brown's compulsive Valentine's Day mailbox checking.

The Activities