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:: ROD SERLING ::
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:: See our Rod Serling EBrochure! ::

Rod Serling, creator of "The Twilight Zone" grew up in Binghamton. His boyhood home still stands on the West Side of Binghamton. He graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1943. These are some key points of interest for Serling fans to visit in the area.

An area such as the bandstand in Recreation Park (Beethoven Street, Binghamton) was the inspiration for the "Walking Distance" episode of "The Twilight Zone" series. The character in the episode carved his initials in the bandstand. There is now a bronze plaque located in the bandstand to commemorate. A historical marker stands outside of Binghamton High School (Main Street, Binghamton).

Serling had such a strong creative influence on his community that the Binghamton School District established the "5th Dimension Program" that uses the parables of "The Twilight Zone" to teach 5th Graders about moral issues such as prejudice, intolerance, and peer pressure. Given Serling’s lifelong concern for the betterment of mankind, this program follows suit with the goal of constructively developing the ethical character traits of the next generation. Moreover, it is unique to Binghamton and something to be very proud of on many levels. The Rod Serling School of the Arts in the High School has been named in honor of this famous graduate, as well.

To promote and preserve Rod Serling's contributions to the Arts and Humanities, the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation was set up. For more info, visit www.rodserling.com.

"Day of a Playwright" is the name of the permanent display at the Forum Theatre for the Performing Arts (Washington Street, Binghamton). Please call The Forum for hours of operation to see the photos and items included (778-2480).

"The Twilight Zone" first aired on October 2, 1959. A celebration was held this past fall, during the first weekend of October, in honor of the 50th anniversary.

Gene Roddenberry, when asked for his comments on Serling's life and friendship, said: "No one could know Serling, or view or read his work, without recognizing his deep affection for humanity ... and his determination to enlarge our horizons by giving us a better understanding of ourselves."

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TZ at 50...A Celebration of Rod Serling:
October 1-4, 2009

Click on the poster to download the latest
TZ at 50 Poster.

Visit www.rodserlingvideofest.com for a complete schedule of events and sponsors. Or for additional information, call (607) 762-8202.

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The Rod Serling Video Festival

“Submitted for your approval…” Each year, The Rod Serling Video Festival at Binghamton High School not only sustains the Serling legacy but stirs the creative imaginations of students K thru 12 nationwide (and now internationally, as well), who submit their entries in several competitive videomaking categories.

The Festival draws visitors from near and far. For more info, call (607) 762-8202, or visit www.rodserlingvideofest.com. (Serling’s name and likeness for the festival are used by permission of the Serling estate.)

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Photos courtesy of the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation and Rod Serling Video Festival.