05/22/2026
What an unforgettable way to celebrate Jimmy Stewart’s birthday and the upcoming release of the Jimmy Movie (in theaters November 6)!
We are incredibly grateful to Burns & Co. Productions for bringing the NEWEST trailer FIRST to the Jimmy Stewart Museum — right here in Jimmy’s hometown. It was truly special to share this exciting moment with our community and supporters.
A heartfelt thank you to Executive Producer Kelly Stewart Harcourt (Jimmy's daughter), KJ Apa (who portrays Jimmy Stewart in the film), Director Aaron Burns, Executive Producer Angela Sullivan, and the entire amazing Burns & Co. production team. During their time at the Museum, they filmed interviews, promotional features and special segments in our theater while also shining a spotlight on the Museum and Jimmy’s enduring legacy.
We were also delighted to welcome service dog "Jimmy Stewart", along with ambassador dog Cooper from Warrior Canine Connections and the wonderful individuals associated with that incredible program.
The celebration began Tuesday with Chris DeRose from KDKA sitting down with Kelly Stewart Harcourt for a special interview. On Wednesday, we kicked off the day with a ribbon cutting for our NEWEST exhibit, "The Making of JIMMY", followed by interviews with Daisy Jade from Pittsburgh Today Live and additional features for Talk Pittsburgh.
Our press conference was an incredible success, highlighted by the premiere of the newest trailer, the proclamation of “Jimmy Stewart Day” in Pennsylvania by Representative Jim Struzzi, a generous donation to Vet Tix by Papaian Studios & Commerce Casino and a fascinating Q&A session with members of the press and production team.
Special thanks to members of the press who helped to share this exciting story, including Ed DiOrio and Mike Clark from WTAE, KDKA/Pittsburgh Today Live, the PA House media team, Reel History, Indiana Gazette, Renda Broadcasting, and everyone else who highlighted the festivities.
We were thrilled to welcome the public to experience the new exhibit and meet special guests KJ Apa, Kelly Stewart Harcourt, and Aaron Burns. The day concluded with our FIRST LOOK reception, where Kelly Stewart Harcourt, Aaron Burns, and InFirst Bank were presented with George Bailey Awards in recognition of their outstanding support, generosity, and commitment to preserving and celebrating Jimmy Stewart’s legacy through the Museum.
If you were unable to attend the festivities on May 20, there is still time to experience "The Making of JIMMY" exhibit here at the Museum. The exhibit will remain on display through mid-November and features costumes, props, photography and behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the film.
As said in It's a Wonderful Life, “No man is a failure who has friends.” The Jimmy Stewart Museum is successful because of its many friends, supporters, volunteers, partners, and community members who continue to believe in our mission and help us grow.
We hope we haven’t forgotten anyone, and if we unintentionally missed someone, please know it was only because so many wonderful people contributed to making this event so special.
With sincere gratitude, thank you to:
KJ Apa, Aaron Burns, Angela Sullivan, and the entire Burns & Co. team; KDKA/Pittsburgh Today Live; WTAE; Rep. Jim Struzzi; the Jimmy Stewart Museum Board of Directors — especially Keith Rearick, Erin Conlin, Tim Kronenwetter, Tim McKee, and WTAE’s Mike Clark; our incredible Museum staff members & volunteers; and our generous supporters including InFirst Bank, Naps Cucina Mia, Warrior Canine Connection, Romeo’s Pizzeria, Memory Lane Media, Kris Mellinger, Pro Packet Printers, Terry Sabo, Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, Hanks Coffee and Cookies by Karen.
(Photos courtesy of Kris Mellinger)
