Bob's Legacy
Robert "Bob" Waterman
The original Waterman Foundation logo
A life in learning
Robert "Bob" Waterman lived his life with a boundless curiosity and a deep belief in the power of learning. Though he loved traveling, the arts, and every creative adventure life offered, his greatest joy was always found in working with kids.
As a young teacher, Bob recognized a growing gap in education, particularly in reading, writing, and comprehension. He made it his mission to bridge it through innovation and imagination.
His spirit, equal parts teacher, traveler, and artist, lives on in every program and partnership inspired by his vision.
Where it began
A young lad "Bobby," where his love for theatre began
On set for Strange Voyage, 1964
Bob was a prolific child actor in the 1940s, appearing in several classic films, often in uncredited roles as a young version of the lead character. While he looked back fondly at that chapter of his life, he knew he wanted to dedicate himself to something different.
Starring Eddie Albert as an adventurer who charters a boat to search for sunken treasure on a desert island, only to face conflict with bad weather and his own crew.
His time on set gave him a foot in the door on understanding story development. That understanding would become the foundation for everything he built next.
A Developing Vision
From the screen to the classroom
The Pied Piper
With that vision, Bob founded The Pied Piper, one of the first educational video programs used in classrooms. What began as a single idea soon became a full catalog of stories and scenes, each brought to life by a dedicated production team.
The Pied Piper captured the hearts of students and teachers alike, becoming part of local school curriculums and inspiring new ways to learn through storytelling.
E-Writing for Kids
As technology evolved, so did Bob's drive to connect with the next generation of learners. His later project, E-Writing for Kids, brought writing instruction into the digital age. It helped elementary students think critically, use proper grammar, and strengthen their reading comprehension through an interactive online experience.
It was one of his most ambitious and impactful endeavors, one he carried forward with enthusiasm and love until his passing on February 12, 2025.
His Spirit Continues
The work goes on
Today, The Waterman Foundation honors Bob's legacy by continuing the work he cared for most: empowering young minds, celebrating creativity, and building bridges through education and the arts.