5 Questions with Timothy F. Harley, president of the James M. Stewart Museum Foundation

Given the time of year, one hears the name Jimmy Stewart often and recalls fond memories of watching It’s a Wonderful Life and quoting lines from the famous movie. But Stewart accomplished so much more than starring in one film during his illustrious career. To highlight his life and generosity, the Jimmy Stewart Museum (www.jimmy.org), located in Indiana, Pennsylvania (his hometown), highlights Stewart’s accomplishments in film, radio, and television. His roles as military hero, civic leader, family man, and world citizen also are woven into displays, film presentations, and gallery talks. Recently, Timothy F. Harley, president of the James M. Stewart Museum Foundation, answered questions about Stewart and the museum.

 T&G: So many people associate Jimmy Stewart with It’s A Wonderful Life, especially around the holidays. But obviously he made so many other films and had amazing accomplishments in film, radio, and television. What would some people be surprised to learn at the museum and what can people expect by visiting the museum?
Harley: Mr. Stewart appeared in over 80 films, as well as stage and television productions. The museum invites you to take a walk along a timeline of the “Greatest Generation” and see the life story of James Stewart set upon the larger stage of our nations and world history. In addition to the timeline, which carries visitors through several galleries, there is a room setting, all original, of the office Jimmy Stewart had in Los Angeles. We have a beautiful 50-seat theater, where our guests can enjoy a selection of great documentaries on Mr. Stewart. Of course, we have a fantastic gift shop with a range of Stewart and Indiana specific items. This includes a large selection of Stewart DVD titles, some that can be difficult to locate. We have a great variety of apparel items and have  introduced a line of items that carry a wonderful and simple bit 
of sage counsel given by Stewart to his daughters as they went off to college: “Always remember, be nice to people.” This motto will serve as the moniker for our Values Education Initiatives Program. It is a perfect lesson, simply stated. Wear one and spread the word! We have a singular staff, very much made up of  volunteers who take pride in providing a personal touch to your visit to the “Jimmy.”

T&G: What questions do guests ask museum staff the most?
Harley: How tall was Jimmy Stewart? (Answer is 6 feet, 3 inches). Where is Jimmy Stewart buried? Forest Lawn in Los Angeles.

T&G: What is it about Jimmy Stewart that helped attract so many fans?
Harley: That is a very simple answer. He was a genuine person, who very much lived the quote mentioned above. It is interesting to note that James Stewart was born to a privileged life, even before he became a star. People who encountered him, in the film industry or during his remarkable military career, have always commented on his lack of pretense or star mentality. He 
was to so many, just like George Bailey — that nice guy, next door.

T&G: How was the museum created and how has it evolved over the years? Any plans for expansion in the future?
Harley: There had been several attempts to start a museum by local folks, all rebuffed — not at all surprisingly by Mr. Stewart. Finally, the approach to Mr. Stewart was made in relation to a situation that was occurring across our country — the loss of downtowns as a central focus of a community, and the rather dissociated conditions resulting from the new mall mentality. When Mr. Stewart came to realize that a tribute to him in the original downtown area of Indiana might help the community, he consented, with these parameters: that the tribute be understated and not a “Taj Mahal” and that it be located in an existing building in the downtown area. Our guests are never disappointed with our presentations, but we do hope to add an additional gallery focused on Stewart’s military career, sometime in the future.

T&G: What are the holidays like at the museum?

Harley: The holidays at the museum are a special time. Though Indiana may not be the most accessible place to reach, the winter and the holidays are a special time for our guests to visit the museum. A range of holiday trees, themed in a variety of Stewart-related decorations are spread throughout the galleries. Our shop is busy with holiday buyers, and for several weeks our Saturday and Sunday matinees feature It’s a Wonderful Life. In recognition of the 70th anniversary of the release of this iconic film, we have a very moving temporary exhibit of Wonderful Life pieces from our collection, paired with e-mails received at the time of Stewart’s death that particularly reference this film and its powerful effect on people’s lives. Small museums, like the Jimmy Stewart Museum, are important elements of our communities. They uphold important history and traditions. In our fortunate case, we offer the life history of a man from Indiana, Pennsylvania, who touched the world in a magical and meaningful way. Please help us continue. Come over for a visit! Hope to see you soon.