The museum highlights the movie career of Stewart, including his role in the 1946 Christmas classic It's a Wonderful Life, as well as his service as a World War II bomber pilot.
It contains numerous artifacts from Stewart's childhood, military career, and home life, as well as movie posters and memorabilia.
[1] Within walking distance of the museum are several other Stewart-related sites, including his birthplace, childhood home, his family's former hardware store, and the Stewart statue on the courthouse lawn.
[2] The museum is overseen by the James M. Stewart Foundation, a nonprofit organization, which also offers several events including the Harvey Award presented on the actor's birthday in May, the "It's a Wonderful Life" festival before Thanksgiving, and a light-up night in late November.
Museum Director Timothy Harley said a San Diego couple originally from western Pennsylvania began making annual $25,000 donations, matching what the Stewart family gives.