The longtime executive director of the Jimmy Stewart Museum has decided to retire.
Tim Harley was named the executive director of the museum in 2004, taking over for Elizabeth Salome, and he had a lot of experience prior to the museum, he served with two museums in New York state. Harley’s last day was Monday, and he is retiring to spend more time with his family.
Jerry Thomchick, the current president of the James M. Stewart Museum Foundation Board of Directors, said that Harley will be remembered for taking the museum out of its financial woes and helping to keep it going.
–Jerry Thomchick, James M. Stewart Museum Foundation Board President
Harley was also responsible for bringing in the recent roster of guest speakers for the museum, including Harvey award winners Carol Burnett and James Caviezel, and George Bailey recipient Rocky Bleier, which in turn raised a lot of money for the museum’s efforts. He also is responsible for the recent idea of using a piece of advice that Jimmy gave his daughters as they went off to college as a mantra for the museum and for its merchandising.
There’s no word yet on who will take over as the executive director until the museum’s board hires a new director.
Thomchick will join Emeritus Board Chairman Carson Greene, Jr. on Indiana in the Morning at 9:10 Wednesday morning on WCCS.
