Jimmy Stewart Museum Faces Difficult Plight

The Jimmy Stewart Museum, in Indiana, Pa., is facing a tragic financial situation that reminds its executive director of one of the actor’s best-known films: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The number of visitors to the museum has dropped to 5,000 this year, from about 11,000 a year, which means fewer sales of admission tickets as well as the movie and greeting cards the museum offers in its gift shop. The organization has also been hurt by a budget cuts from a state agency that provided $5,500 last year and will provide nothing in 2011.

While the museum has sought foundation support, it has mostly been rejected, the Journal says. County governments have also refused support, even though a local newspaper estimated that the museum produces $407,000 for local businesses.

“We could use a Clarence,” says Timothy Harley, executive director of the museum, taking note of the guardian angel who saves Jimmy’s Stewart’s character in It’s a Wonderful Life. But for now, Mr. Harley is relying on celebrities, members of Mr. Stewart’s family, and the prospect of renting the museum out for weddings and Boy Scout events.