It is a rite of passage for many to get their annual fix of classic Christmas movies watched and re-watched each and every year. Several iconic films top the list, including timeless oldies from the earlier days of cinema. One example of such a holiday mainstay staple is none other than the 1946 Frank Capra classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, released by RKO Radio Pictures in 1946.
The film stars James “Jimmy” Stewart—a loveable fan-favorite with an impressive list of film credits to his name. Some other holiday flicks in which he fulfilled major roles include After the Thin Man (a sequel to The Thin Man), starring William Powell and Myrna Loy in 1936, The Shop Around the Corner with Margaret Sullivan in 1940, and Bell, Book and Candle, alongside Kim Novak in 1958. He also starred in the earlier, unrelated, albeit similarly named, It’s a Wonderful World, costarring Claudette Colbert, playing a guy named “Guy” in 1939.
Stewart’s impressive tenure in the film industry cannot be dismissed. Nor can the lasting legacy he left both on and off screen. He even enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in the early 1940s. While generations old and new alike continue to embrace the immortal charms of Jimmy Stewart as an actor and wholesome human being in general, what few fans hailing from the state of Pennsylvania even realize is that he was a local born and raised here. What’s more, there is an awesome attraction you can visit in his hometown today, which pays the ultimate tribute to all things Jimmy Stewart. I am referring to none other than the one and only Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. For this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m spotlighting the storied exhibits and artifacts to uncover at the Jimmy Stewart Museum and his “wonderful life” and legacy.
About the Museum
Despite international fame and success in the film industry, along with the impressive heroics he displayed throughout his military career, Jimmy Stewart forever remained a modest, home-loving, all-American sweetheart of a man, proud of his small-town roots. Therefore, he established early on that if ever his hometown decided to go through with their proposed idea of establishing a museum in his honor, it would have to retain a humble size (nothing grand in stature) and be established downtown at a location that would economically benefit the community.
The Jimmy Stewart Museum celebrated its grand opening on May 20, 1995 (Stewart’s 87th birthday). In compliance with the actor’s wishes, the museum is neither flashy nor overt. It is located just above the Indiana Public Library, where it proudly showcases a collaboration of memorabilia and original artifacts from Stewart’s lifetime. Special focus centers around his time as a Hollywood icon as well as his brave World War II military service. The museum’s most localized features emphasize Stewart’s life growing up in Indiana County personally.
All of the museum’s featured displays are laid out within three larger exhibit galleries, two smaller ones, and two rotating exhibit hallways. Other on-location site features include an actual 50-seat vintage movie theater and an in-house gift shop.
The Indiana Gallery
The Indiana Gallery is the ultimate tribute to Stewart’s hometown of Indiana, Pennsylvania. Here, you will find memorabilia and artifacts that surround Stewart’s family life and history, including rare and lesser-known references to early ancestors, childhood memories, and educational highlights. Special features in this gallery include Stewart’s own actual jacket from Princeton, a recreation of his father Alex’s local hardware store, and a life-size replica statue of Stewart himself.
Jimmy’s Boyhood Bedroom
The museum even features a recreation of Jimmy’s boyhood bedroom. It’s here you will find family photos and other mementos chronicling his early years, including callouts to his time as a Boy Scout of America. Even Stewart’s childhood bed is on display! You’ll also see tributes to his boyhood hero, Charles Lindbergh, and his historic flight across the Atlantic Ocean. His Silver Buffalo Award from the BSA and an original painting of his childhood home can also be found here.
The Military Gallery
The Museum’s Military Gallery obviously focuses on Stewart’s military career along with his lifelong interests in aviation and flying, which began at an early age. There is also a very special tribute to Stewart’s stepson, who died in Vietnam. Other highlights worth noting include four of his military uniforms and his military medals (including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Croix de Guerre).
The Hollywood Gallery
This filmography-focused gallery explores Stewart’s lengthy tenure as a Hollywood icon. With more than 80 films to his credit and a career spanning from 1935 to 1991, this I the ultimate Jimmy Stewart movie fan collaboration in the entire building. Features include authentic, original movie posters and stills, costumes, props, movie summaries, and fun trivia/stories behind some of your favorite scenes from Jimmy Stewart films of many genres. Special focus includes Stewart’s collaborations with Frank Capra, Alfred Hitchcock, and westerns with Anthony Mann.
Other interests to enjoy onsite here include Stewart’s many awards and other accolades. Among the noted props are a western uniform and rifle from Winchester ’73, Stewart’s cowboy hat, which he wore in most of his westerns, and a plane propeller signed by the cast of Flight of the Phoenix.
Stewart’s California Office
As the name suggests, this is a recreation of Jimmy Stewart’s home office in California. Featured finds here include the actor’s actual desk, grandfather clock, tweed hat, and other memorabilia. Family photos grace the scene, as do letters from various United States presidents and one from Frank Capra, in which he used his Autopen machine to write.
The Movie Theater
As stated previously, a 50-seat vintage theater is housed inside the museum. It presents matinee showings of Jimmy Stewart films each day at 1 p.m. The selected film changes weekly. October specialties include airings of all four of Stewart’s film compilations with Alfred Hitchcock. From mid-November through December, they play It’s a Wonderful Life.
The Shop Around the Corner–Gift Shop
No museum visit is complete without a stop in at the onsite gift shop, laden with unique themed items of all different kinds. From shirts to hats, books, blankets, drinkware, prints, and more, if it’s Jimmy Stewart-related, you’re sure to find it here. They even have a magic disappearing Harvey mug! Be sure to browse the selection of DVDs for all your favorite Stewart films while you’re at it.
Jimmy Stewart was born on May 20, 1908, and died on July 2, 1997. He led a versatile life and was a blessing to fans and those who knew him well. For all that he contributed in his lifetime, it’s only fitting and motivating to want to visit the one and only Jimmy Stewart Museum for yourself!
You will find the Jimmy Stewart Museum located at 835 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701. All additional details are listed on the website at www.jimmy.org.