SENECA FALLS, N.Y. — “We are the only museum dedicated to 'It’s a Wonderful Life.' It’s a great source of pride for the community," said Francis Caraccilo, board of trustees member for the museum.

What You Need To Know

  • Frank Capra, Director visited Seneca Falls, which later he used as an inspiration for his film 

  • Film debuted in 1946

  • Museum opened on December 10, 2010 

"It’s A Wonderful Life" director, Frank Capra, took inspiration from various towns across the country for the film, but Seneca Falls played in the motion picture. In fact, it’s believed the film’s fictional town of Bedford Falls is modeled after Seneca Falls in the Finger Lakes Region.

“When we started in December of 2010, we had basically a few items from Karolyn Grimes, little Zuzu’s personal collection and a wall full of quotes from Frank Capra. That exhibit grew into what we have now," said Caraccilo.

“This world needs this museum right now, very badly," said Karolyn Grimes, who played Zulu Bailey in the film.

Nineteen years ago, Karolyn Grimes came to Seneca Falls for the first time.

“When I first walked into the town, it was quiet snd there was snow on the ground," Grimes said. "It was just a little bit snowing. I just looked around and I thought, 'this is it, this is the place.' There was the bridge and so I felt like I was coming home. I have been coming back ever since, every Christmas.”

Now the museum will be undergoing renovations. New York State awarded downtown Seneca Falls $10 million for their downtown revitalization initiative. Of that, $912,000 will be used to expand the museum. 

“I think it’s a great gift to humanity because this movie means so much to so many people," Grimes said. "It has messages in it that we can all draw from. And it’s about love, it’s about community. It’s about giving and caring. I think it’s the most wonderful thing that can happen to us at this particular time in society’s struggle.”

“None of this would be if it wasn’t for Frank Capra. That’s how definitive his message is. We do touch lives and hopefully for the better," said Jimmy Hawkins, who played Tommy Bailey in the film.

Exterior renovations will begin in the new year. The project is expected to take about two years.