You are now in Seneca Falls...or is that Bedford Falls

In fact, there has long been speculation that the town inspired key scenes in the film and Bedford Falls itself. It all started when the film’s director, Frank Capra, made a stop to get his haircut in Seneca Falls on his way to visit an aunt in Auburn in 1945.

“We believe that [Capra] walked around a bit in town because he asked some pointed questions while Tom Bellissima was cutting his hair,” says Fran Caraccilo, a founding member of the It’s A Wonderful Life Museum.

One of the more conspicuous questions was, “What’s the story of that bridge?”

“Seneca Falls has three bridges, but only one of them has a story associated with it. So Bellissima told Capra about Antonio Varacalli, a young Italian immigrant, who in 1917 drowned as he rushed into the canal to save a woman who was attempting suicide,” Caraccilo adds.

Following the tragedy, the town came together to award Varacalli with the Carnegie Hero Medal and also raised money to bring his mother, two sisters and nephew over from Italy. In 1921, a plaque reading, “He honored the community—the community honors him,” was placed on the bridge, where it can still be seen today. The assumption is that Capra asked about the story because he saw the plaque.

This series of events in Seneca Falls’ history is believed to have inspired the corresponding scenes in the film such as: George jumping off the bridge to save Clarence, the town raising money for George and the final scene, which echoes a similar sentiment as Varacalli’s plaque. In tracking the screenplay developments, the plot point where George saves Clarence was not in the original story and was added after November 1945.

“Capra always said that Bedford Falls is a community that is made up of little slices of small towns that he visited across America. We are certainly not going to disagree with Capra, but we think we’re a bigger slice than everyone else,” joked Caraccilo.

Now, fans from across the United States go to Seneca Falls to get a glimpse. You don’t even have to squint. The architecture is strikingly similar, from the old Seneca Falls railroad station to local houses to the steel truss bridges. It feels like Bedford Falls. Geographically, it checks out, too. The film makes references to surrounding areas such as Buffalo, Rochester and Elmira.

There’s also the aforementioned It’s A Wonderful Life Museum to check out.

Founded in 2010 by Karolyn Grimes (who played Zuzu Bailey in the film), Caraccilo, and Anwei and Henry Law, the museum features cases of rare memorabilia, including original call sheets, a program from the film’s premiere at the Globe Theater in New York City, photographs from the set director, personal items from the actors and more. Visitors can even purchase a bell, write the name of a loved one on it and attach it to the bridge where Varacalli’s plaque is.

Currently, the museum’s original location is undergoing construction and stabilization efforts. In the meantime, a temporary location at 76 Falls Street has been opened. Fans can donate $19.46 (in honor of the year the film was released) and become a founder of the renovated museum.

“When we started this, Karolyn Grimes said the museum will never be outdated because the message of this film is always going to be relevant,” says Anwei Law. “It’s about valuing everyone.”

It’s true. The movie’s magic is still alive and well today.

“Even on our darkest days, it reminds us to reflect on the good each of us has managed to put into the world, and all of the people who had our backs along the way,” says Jillian Weidner, a lifelong fan of the film.

This lasting effect is what keeps people coming back.

Each December, the town hosts a widely popular It’s A Wonderful Life Festival with parades, radio plays, appearances from cast members and even a 5K race.

“How can you not love a movie that has that kind of impact?” says Anwei Law. “It gives you hope.”

This year’s celebrations will take place from Dec. 9-11. Fans can attend select activities, days or the entire weekend.

While you’re in town

The best part of the itinerary is that most of these stops are on the same street. Seneca Falls is extremely walkable with enough interesting shops to make spontaneous pop-ins along the way, too.

As the birthplace of women’s rights, the Women’s Rights Historical Park is a must-see. It features the Wesleyan Chapel, where the first Women’s Rights Convention was held on July 19-20, 1848 as well as daily ranger talks for additional color on a variety of topics.

For a casual bite to eat, stop into Fall Street Brewing. The cute corner spot offers a selection of soup, salad and sandwiches with espresso, kombucha, cider and craft beer. You’ll notice some of the beer names are inspired by the historic town such as Okay, Bloomer, Elizabeth Hazy Stanton and Young Wilhelmus Amber Ale.

The Ludovico Sculpture Trail is a 0.9 mile stretch along the Seneca-Cayuga Canal. You can easily add this after you’ve walked the bridge with Varacalli’s plaque. The scenic path stars sculptures created primarily by women.