Fireside Chat: Behind Sesame Street

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 | 6 PM – 8 PM | OWNERS LOUNGE

The Stories Behind Sesame Street

Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Dr. Nikko Mayer, a researcher, storyteller, and early contributor to Sesame Street during its formative years at Children’s Television Workshop.

Dr. Mayer earned her Master of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh in Research Design, Statistics, and Evaluation Methodology, and her doctorate from Harvard University in Human Development. Her academic background and creative insight led her to work on groundbreaking programs including Sesame Street and The Electric Company at the dawn of a revolution in children’s educational television.

During this engaging conversation, Dr. Mayer will share how and why Sesame Street became such a remarkable success, offering behind-the-scenes stories, personal anecdotes, and a bit of early-days gossip that reveal how thoughtful storytelling reshaped learning for generations of children.

As Dr. Mayer reflects, “A writer of stories is a receiver of tales—gossip, anecdotes, and incidents… so attentive and imaginative that any event might be made into a work of art.”

Whether you grew up with Sesame Street or simply enjoy a great story, this fireside chat promises an insightful and memorable evening.