NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) -- Peanuts comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz on Saturday marks its 60th anniversary with a series of events in the National Portrait Gallery and new exhibit in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, the Iconix Brand Group said Wednesday.

The popular comic strip is featured in 75 countries and 21 languages, appearing in over 2,200 newspapers. Schulz launched the animated specials 60 years ago in only seven newspapers, but over the decades, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, and the rest of the animated characters have long been familiar faces to many homes.

To honor the 60th anniversary of Peanuts and the impact of cartoonist Charles M. Schulz on millions of people worldwide, celebrations have been held across the globe. The yearlong tribute culminates on October 2, the "birth date" of Peanuts, with some noteworthy events that will be enjoyed by family, friends and fans nationwide. 

A 1986 photograph of Peanuts creator Schulz, who passed away in 2000, will be presented to the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in a ceremony for invited guests on October 1. The photograph was created by Yousuf Karsh, and is the Portrait Gallery's first image of the famed cartoonist.

On October 2, the National Portrait Gallery will host a family-and-friends day with events for all ages: cartooning workshops; a screening of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown; and guest appearances from Snoopy and Schulz friend Lee Mendelson.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will also mark the 60th anniversary of the comic strip with a case that will feature objects from Schulz, including drawing utensils, an animation cell from the television special It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and two comic panels that show the cartoon's progression from rough pencil sketches to finished ink strips beginning October 1.

"I know that Sparky would be humbled but also delighted to see the scope of events celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Peanuts," Schulz's widow, Jeanne Schulz, said. "Most of all he would be so moved to see the tremendous enthusiasm and affection that people of all ages and nationalities continue to feel for his beloved characters."

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