A GETTYSBURG wax museum that features the likeness of every U.S. president and first lady has closed and the figures are up for auction. The Hall of Presidents and First Ladies Museum in Gettysburg had been in business for about 60 years. 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 1 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 Jan. 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.(SD-Agencies) | 