Howdy Doody joins other puppets of distinction at DIA

The original Howdy Doody marionette from the 1940s will be among the puppets of distinction going on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Howdy Doody, last displayed in 2010, will appear in his original cowboy boots and buckskin gloves as he appeared in the NBC television show. The famous marionette also made a museum appearance in 2009, when a U.S. Postal Service stamp was created in his honor.

The collection also will include 18th-century American and Italian hand puppets, including colonial-era Punch and Judy. They are comedic hand puppets with theater play-boards and miniature stage props.

The museum says the puppets will be featured from March 20 through Sept. 20.