The Seneca Falls It’s A Wonderful Life Museum building as it looked when it was a theater.
The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum was opened on December 10, 2010. The Museum is located in a portion of what was the first movie theater in town, the Seneca Theater. The theater was built in 1913 by Charles Fornesi, the first Italian to immigrate to Seneca Falls. While the building is undergoing stabilization and some construction, the Museum is temporarily located at 76 Fall Street, across from the Seneca Falls Visitor Center.
The Museum started with one display case, special items from the personal collection of Karolyn Grimes (“Zuzu Bailey”) and a wall of quotes from Frank Capra that focus on his personal philosophy of the value of each individual and the timeless message of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Over the years, rare items have been added to the display, including original call sheets containing the doodles of Jack Okey, Art Director for It’s a Wonderful Life, the original program from the premiere of the film at the Globe Theater in New York City, and earrings owned by Gloria Grahame which she wore as “Violet Bick” in the film.
On display is a certificate presented to Frank Capra by Governor Mario Cuomo on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty, donated to the Museum by Frank Capra’s son, Tom. Photos of Frank Capra’s films that were displayed in Tom Capra’s Italian Restaurant in Palm Springs are on display.
Items from the personal collections of Carol Coombs (“Janie Bailey”), Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”) and “Jeanine Roose” (“Young Violet Bick”) that reflect their lives and careers are also on display. An exhibit on Virginia Patton Moss (“Ruth Dakin Bailey”), the oldest surviving cast member, includes her original contract, personal items, and an important recollection from the film.
The handprints of Jimmy Stewart, Karolyn Grimes, Carol Coombs, Jimmy Hawkins and Jeanine Roose are on display.
Donna Reed’s daughter, Mary Owen, has provided information about Donna Reed’s efforts to promote better roles for women and peace.
Two paintings by Todd Karns (“Harry Bailey”) are on display.
Photographs from the collection of Emile Kuri, Set Director for It’s a Wonderful Life, are also on display.
Information on individual cast members from “It’s a Wonderful Life” can also be found in the Museum.
The Museum illustrates why local residents have long believed that Seneca Falls was the inspiration for Bedford Falls, including information on Antonio Varacalli, whose true story might well be the inspiration for important scenes in the film.
