Houdini & Magic Betrayed

Dear supporter of the magical arts and friends,

The Houdini Historical Center in Appleton announced plans in the Spring of 2003 to redesign their Houdini exhibit. Mr. Sid Radner, who had generously donated many items and allowed his display of authentic Houdini items, was informed that his items were no longer needed. Instead, the museum has down sized and created an exhibit using different items. The main feature of the exhibit is an exposure of the way Houdini supposedly performed the Metamorphosis illusion. Houdini demanded on his death bed that all his secrets be destroyed. From the moment the planned exposure was announced, the HHC was contacted by thousands of concerned citizens and magicians. Magicians were concerned with the fact that many still perform the Metamorphosis illusion today and while the illusion is performed faster and in a different way Houdini did, any exposure of magic is wrong. Furthermore, there might be some magicians, (fortunately not myself) that perform the illusion in the same way the museum is exposing! The Museum does not understand the ethics or the concept of what is right and what is “selling out”. The museum, entrusted with the secrets of magic and Houdini’s own props, decided to make a quick buck off of his name. They have ignored the thousands of emails, phone calls, and personal contacts. Furthermore, they ignored the help of the magical community to create a different, better exhibit. Local magicians and magicians worldwide offered their time and talent free. Master Magician and illusionist David Copperfield even offered to donate his own expertise in creating a different exhibit.. Surprisingly, the HHC refused all offers, instead relying on their own expertise in creating an exhibit about magic and Houdini. The museums experience in magic and in the art of magic is non-existant. Let’s re-cap:

1)The museum has been contacted by thousands of the general public and magicians asking that this exhibit not go up. They have ignored these pleas. What kind of an organization can ignore the pleas of so many people? Surly any reputable organization that had any class would reconsider an exhibit that hurt as many people emotionally and financially as this exhibit.

2)The museum has decided to create an exhibit with NO input from the magical community. If you were creating an exhibit about, say, space travel, would you not consult with astronauts or NASA? Why does the museum refuse? The magicians did not ask for any money. All they asked was to help protect their art, and to assist the museum in creating a great exhibit. The only conclusion is that the museum’s staff has a huge ego that causes them to think that their way is the ONLY way that is correct. Furthermore, from a pure marketing standpoint, what kind of a short sighted, ignorant organization would you have to be to refuse the chance to have David Copperfield be associated with your exhibit? Appleton had a chance to have a world class exhibit. Instead, they have elected to create an exhibit no one would go across the street to see!

3)The exhibit has been condemned by all magical organizations including the SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS, THE INTERNATIONAL BROTERHOOD OF MAGICIANS, THE WORLD ALLIANCE OF MAGICIANS AND THE HOUDINI CLUB OF WISCONSIN. Additionally, to David Copperfield opposing the exhibit, Mark Wilson and Michael Ammar have voiced their concerns.

Therefore, we must plead with you to have nothing to do with the HHC or the Outagamie County Historical Society. Please come to Appleton, it is a great city. We have a great magic festival HoudiniDays that celebrates Houdini and his contribution to magic. Rest assured that the Houdini Museum has NOTHING to do with this festival. In fact, they have basically been banned from the celebration.

I hope you keep a sense of magic and wonder in your life. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for all of your support in the art of magic.

Magically,

Ron