Jimmy Stewart Museum Needs a Miracle

While he may have had a "wonderful life" as George Bailey, the actor James "Jimmy" Stewart (also aka Mr. Jefferson Smith in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington") is not going so well as a museum. The Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana, PA is in danger of closing, reported MSNBC.

“It’s touch and go right now,” says museum executive director Timothy Harley. “We need a cash influx to help us get through this challenging time.” Presently, Harley is the only full-time staff member at the museum.

The museum contains posters, photos, displays and films dedicated to Stewart's life and career. Attendence had been steadily dropping, from 6,500 in 2009 to 5,000 this year. State funding has also dwindled from $5,500 per year to $1,400.

Museums dedicated to movie stars have closed before. The Liberace Museum in Las Vegas closed on October after 31 years and the Roy Rogers - Dale Evan Museum closed in 2009.

Museum host Pat Ward describes why the museum is so important. “This museum’s not just about Jimmy Stewart — it’s about America,” she said. “His life takes us through the life of The Greatest Generation.”

It looks like the Jimmy Stewart museum may need its own Clarence, or a group of townspeople (or tourists) with money to spare.

-- Diep Tran