Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Postcard from a wax museum of a scene representing President Kennedy's funeral
Postcard from a wax museum of a scene representing President Kennedy's funeral

Postcard from a wax museum of a scene representing President Kennedy's funeral

Object number2012.071.0001
Date1968 - 1976
ClassificationsDocuments
ObjectPostcard
Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection
MediumPaper
Dimensions3 1/2 × 5 1/2 in. (8.9 × 14 cm)
Collections
DescriptionPostcard from the Hall of Presidents Wax Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado, of a scene meant to represent President John F. Kennedy's funeral. The image shows a wax museum tableau featuring a flag-draped casket in the lower left corner with a wreath of flowers next to it. A row of wax figures stands against a blue backdrop with greenery on either side. The individuals represented in the tableau are listed on the reverse of the postcard as: "Haile Selassie, Robert F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Martin Luther King, H. R. H. Prince Philip, Charles de Gaulle, John Jr. and Caroline." The reverse of the postcard is white with text printed in black. Text in upper left is as follows: "HALL OF PRESIDENTS WAX MUSEUM Colorado Springs, Colorado Scene 21. The Eternal Flame John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917-1963) Thirty-fifth President -- 1961-1963 Haile Selassie, Robert F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Martin Luther King, H. R. H. Prince Philip, Charles de Gaulle, John Jr. and Caroline." Printed very small in the lower left is: "(c) Sanborn Souvenir Co., Inc., Commerce City, Colorado 80037 31636-D" The postcard dates from late 1968 at the earliest, because the text refers to "Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis" - Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis on October 20, 1968. The postcard company, Sanborn Souvenir Co., was in business until 1976. These images are not available online larger than a thumbnail to protect the copyright of their creator(s). For a more detailed examination of this item, please schedule an appointment in the Museum’s Reading Room.
Curatorial Commentary
Included in the Museum's temporary exhibit, "Mourning a President," about the funeral and mourning rites for President John F. Kennedy, this item will be on display on the Museum's seventh floor from November 17, 2017 to February 19, 2018. -- Lindsey Richardson, Curator of Collections
For years following the assassination, most wax museums--which were popular roadside attractions across the United States in the 1960s and 1970s--displayed figures and set pieces which memorialized President Kennedy and evoked significant moments from that fateful weekend. While some wax museums focused on more sensational moments, such as the shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald by Jack Ruby, the Hall of Presidents Wax Museum (1969-1996) at 1050 South 21st Street in Colorado Springs, Colorado, opted to commemorate President Kennedy's funeral. In doing so, the creators took some artistic liberties. The Kennedy children did not attend the graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery, as depicted here. John F. Kennedy, Jr.'s famous salute actually took place outside of St. Matthew's Cathedral. In compressing and combining moments from the funeral, however, this set piece demonstrates the visuals and historical figures that people most recall from watching the ceremonies play out on television. -- Stephen Fagin, Curator