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Postcard of a wax museum tableau of President Kennedy and the U.S. Capitol
Postcard of a wax museum tableau of President Kennedy and the U.S. Capitol

Postcard of a wax museum tableau of President Kennedy and the U.S. Capitol

Object number2011.049.0001
Datecirca 1965
ClassificationsDocuments
ObjectPostcard
Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection
MediumPaper
Dimensions5 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (14 x 8.9 cm)
Collections
DescriptionPostcard of a wax museum tableau showing President Kennedy appearing to materialize over the dome of the US Capitol. Back of postcard reads: "Kennedy Memorial John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917-1963) In memory of the 25th President of the United States we present this scene with pride and sorrow. Shown at Josephine Tussaud's famous LONDON WAX MUSEUM, 5505 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg Beach, Florida." "Florida Natural Color, Inc. 2652 N.E. 189th St., Miami, Fla. 22163" This image is not available online larger than a thumbnail to protect the copyright of its creator(s). For a more detailed examination of this item, please schedule an appointment in the Museum’s Reading Room.
Curatorial Commentary

Following the Kennedy assassination, wax museums -- plentiful and popular roadside attractions in the 1960s -- rushed to add displays that reflected the most memorable moments from the chaotic weekend of November 22, 1963. Although the St. Peterburg, Florida, wax museum had a depiction of the Lee Harvey Oswald shooting in its "Chamber of Horrors" section (2011.047.0001), elsewhere the museum showcased this unique memorial tribute to the late president. 

This special effect was likely achieved by locating a wax figure of President Kennedy behind a mesh scrim of the U.S. Capitol building. By alternating exhibit lighting (from the front of the scrim to back of the scrim), it would give the impression that an ethereal John F. Kennedy was briefly materializing in front of the building.  A similar special effect later used at a Madame Tussauds museum in Las Vegas allowed a waxwork Elvis Presley to materialize over the Las Vegas downtown skyline. - Stephen Fagin, Associate Curator