Wax museum to auction off entire creepy collection of life-sized U.S. Presidents and their famous first ladies 

16:40 • 05.01.17

Gettysburg's Hall of Presidents and First Ladies contains life-sized wax figures of America's favorite (and least favorite) leaders alongside, of course, their first ladies.


After being forced to close to due decline in visitors, the museum will be auctioning off the entirety of their figurine collection, as well as some rare photos and murals. 

 

It appears some of their likeness gets lost in translation when created in wax, as some of the figures look a bit different than their human counterparts.

 

Over one million visitors have enjoyed the museum since it opened in 1957, and was created part to pay homage to the 34th president, Dwight D Eisenhower.


However, facing the decline in interest, the business owners were forced to make a decision about its future.


"This museum in its current state really hasn't been attracting people for some time and a business decision had to be made to utilize the building for other things," Max Felty, president of Gettysburg Tours Inc told ABC 27.

The auction will be held on January 14 at the 1863 Inn of Gettysburg, at 516 Baltimore Street. 


"It's something that doesn't come up every day in conversation, for sure," auctioneer Randy Dickensheetz said.

 
The presidents are recreated in tuxedos, and each first lady is depicted with the unique hairstyle and dress she wore to the inauguration.


The figures have been created by many different notable artists throughout the years. Ivo Zini, who is globally recognized for his work in cosmetic prosthesis, build all of the first ladies except for the last three.  

 

A number of other historical items will also be for sale at the auction, including rare photos of President Eisenhower.


The collection of large black and white photos of President Eisenhower were taken by photographers of Time Life & Wide World Photo.

 

Eisenhower is one of Gettysburg's most famous residents, as he moved there just after serving two terms as president from 1953 to 1961.


History buffs can still visit the farm he resided in just outside the town.

 

Barack and Michelle Obama

 

 Michelle Obama has been a very popular first lady and championed health and nutrition

 

 

George Washington

 

George Washington, the first President of the United States, who was in control of the then new country from 1732 - 1799

 

 

Abraham Lincoln

 

16th: Abraham Lincoln is one of the better known U.S. Presidents and abolished slavery His Gettysburg address is famously quoted throughout history and he was assassinated in 1865

 

Bill and Hillary Clinton

 

 Hillary Clinton led an unsuccessful bid for president this year

 

John and Jacqueline Kennedy

 

 Jackie O was a fashion icon

 

Richard Nixon

 

#37: Richard Nixon, remembered for his infamous Watergate scandal in

 

Ronald Reagan

 

  

 

Jimmy Carter

 

Jimmy Carter took the presidency in 1977 

 

Wax museum to auction off entire creepy collection of life-sized U.S. Presidents and their famous first ladies