[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE JIMMY STEWART MUSEUM OF INDIANA, PA

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                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2005

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize with great pride 
the Jimmy Stewart Museum of Indiana, Pennsylvania, in honor of the 10th 
anniversary of its opening. Honoring the life of a motion picture icon 
and American patriot, the Jimmy Stewart Museum preserves all aspects of 
Indiana, Pennsylvania's favorite son.
  While most Americans remember Jimmy Stewart as idealistic Jefferson 
Smith in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, watching him go toe-to-toe with 
Katherine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story, and welcoming George 
Bailey into their homes every year at Christmas to find out why exactly 
It's A Wonderful Life, the people of Indiana proudly remember him as a 
good neighbor and citizen dedicated to his beloved hometown where his 
family resided for generations.
  It is for this reason they came together to develop the Jimmy Stewart 
Museum which became a community effort in every sense of the words. 
While modesty initially shied Jimmy Stewart himself away from the idea 
of such a project, he came to understand the economic benefits the 
museum could produce for the area. With the creation of the Jimmy 
Stewart Foundation in 1994 the project catapulted into action with 
local volunteers, financial backers, and even a local architect who 
designed the facility pro-bono. Not only would the museum improve the 
economy of the community, it would improve the morale and incorporate a 
spirit of generosity to everyone who became involved with the museum 
and its efforts.
  The Jimmy Stewart Museum, located directly across from the site of 
his father's hardware store, opened to the public on May 20, 1995, 
Stewart's 87th birthday. Since then it has welcomed tens of thousands 
of visitors from all over the world to view an extensive collection of 
personal, local, and film industry memorabilia. Included in the 
collection is the Oscar awarded to Stewart for his Best Actor 
performance in The Philadelphia Story, as well as particular emphasis 
on his service to his country during WWII where he served as a bomber 
pilot in the European Theater and retired with the rank of brigadier 
general.
  While the contributions of Jimmy Stewart to both community and the 
arts are undeniably deserved, the recognition for those who had the 
foresight and determination to preserve the memory of such an 
extraordinary life must not go unnoticed. Notable supporters Nick and 
Nina Clooney and comedian Rich Little generously donate their time to 
assist in the efforts of keeping the museum at its best. The museum is 
a true testament to the character of Indiana and I am proud of the 
devotion the town has shown towards their favorite son and subsequently 
to each other in the creation of this museum.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Jimmy Stewart Museum on its 10th 
Anniversary and offer my genuine best wishes for many prosperous years 
to come.

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