Indiana, Pennsylvania native Jimmy Stewart gave us more iconic performances than just about any actor — in his era or any other. He’s George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” still the most heartfelt and powerful holiday film. He’s Scottie Ferguson in “Vertigo,” often called the greatest film ever made. He won his Oscar for “The Philadelphia Story.”

And he made 77 other movies. (That’s not counting television work.)

You can find a mention of all of them and plenty besides at The Jimmy Stewart Museum, the celebration of Indiana’s hometown hero tucked above the Indiana Free Library. It’s more than just a filmography, however, as Stewart’s life and times — as well as the story of his family and that of the city itself — are preserved and beautifully displayed in a fascinating series of exhibits.

Undoubtedly, there are treasures from the actor’s life to be found inside; look for Stewart’s favorite booth from the iconic, bygone Los Angeles restaurant Chasen’s. Even more than the artifacts, though, you’ll find the museum is rich in detail. On a door that once stood at the entrance of Stewart’s California home, you’ll find a list of folks who passed through it. Near a display about his father’s hardware store, you’ll read the story of Stewart’s Oscar coming home to Indiana — and see a picture of it sitting beside goods for sale, peering out into the street.

The centerpiece of the museum is a cozy screening room, where a matinee showing of a Jimmy Stewart movie happens every day. Classics such as “Rear Window” and “Harvey” make the list, but the museum is sure to include films that even dedicated followers may not have seen; forgotten gems such as “The Man From Laramie” and “Bell, Book and Candle” are given as much spotlight as any other film.

OK, almost any other film; “It’s a Wonderful Life” gets the holiday season all to itself.

By showcasing a Jimmy Stewart movie every day, the museum not only pays tribute to Indiana’s favorite son — it keeps his work alive. Few museums do such a fine job.

Insider’s Tip: The screenings kick off daily at 1 p.m. — which means you’ll want to arrive by about 11:30 a.m., at the latest, to see the exhibits first. When you head in for the film, sit near the screen; it’s not as loud as a normal movie theater, so dialogue is more clear up front.

While You’re Here: Want to pose with the man himself? You can meet Stewart, in bronze, next door. His statue is in front of the Indiana County Courthouse.