Bruce Averbook to receive 2026 Milbourne Christopher Award

Our good friend Dr. Bruce Averbook will receive the 2026 Milbourne Christopher Award for Magic History Preservationist. This is certainly deserving. Bruce owns one of the best magic collections in the world and houses it in one of the best private museums, The Averbook Magic Art Museum & Library.

Last year, Bruce allowed the publication of Houdini's first travel diary from his collection. The result is Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899. He's about to do it again with Houdini's original challenge scrapbook, which will be published next week by David Haversat's 1878 Press as A Strenuous Career: The Personal Challenge and Advertisement Scrapbook of Harry Houdini.

Another friend of our blog, Scott Wells of the popular The Magic Word Podcast, is also being honored this year with the Ambassador of Magic Award.

Congratulations to Bruce, Scott, and all the recipients this year.

The Milbourne Christopher Foundation was established by Maurine Christopher in 1989, and was created to perpetuate the memory of her husband and his lifelong interest in encouraging excellence, originality, and leadership in the art of magic.

Related:

• Christopher Awards roundup (2023)
• Dorothy Dietrich & Dick Brookz receive Milbourne Christopher Award
• Bill Kalush to receive 2016 Milbourne Christopher Award

The Grim Game will screen in New York, May 15

Houdini's best silent film, The Grim Game (1919), will screen this Friday, May 15 at 6:30 PM, at the New York Public Library's Bruno Walter Auditorium. The screening will include live piano accompaniment by Makia Matsumura and be followed by a discussion with Dorothy Dietrich. This is part of the programming for the New York Public Library's ongoing "Mystery & Wonder: a Legacy of Golden Age Magicians" exhibition.

Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library

The year 2026 marks the centennial of legendary escapologist and magician Harry Houdini’s death. In recognition of his amazing life and the Library for the Performing Arts’ current exhibition Mystery & Wonder: a Legacy of Golden Age Magicians in New York, we will screen his 1919 silent film The Grim Game with live piano accompaniment by Makia Matsumura. Houdini plays an intrepid young journalist framed for murder after falling in love with a winsome ingénue played by Ann Forrest. Chases, dramatic escapes, and a real mid-air plane crash are only part of the fun. Following the screening, Dorothy Dietrich, magician and co-founder of the Houdini Museum, and magician and historian Richard Cohn will discuss the making of the film, its re-discovery and restoration, and Houdini’s legacy today.

Curiously, the film is advertised as being screened on 16mm film. The only 16mm print of The Grim Game I'm aware of is the original that was owned by Larry Weeks. I doubt this could be that print. So, at some point, a 16mm print must have been struck from the digital TCM restoration, or this could be a mistake, and this is the DCP. I suspect the latter.

Either way, The Grim Game hasn't been screened in a few years, and it is really fun to watch with an audience, so this is a must-see screening!

Click here for more information and to register for tickets.

Related:

• Houdini conquers Hollywood (at last) in The Grim Game
• Houdini sells out in Sierra Madre
• Mystery and Wonder: A Legacy of Golden Age Magicians in New York City

Pateron double reward in May

Every month, I offer my patrons a special reward as thanks for their support. This month, I'm offering a double reward. The first is the Third Quarter 1993 Mystifier newsletter as a searchable PDF. It's an interesting issue with an insightful article on Houdini's physical fitness routines by Zen Karate author Randall Bassett, the first printed interview with Houdini's assistant Dorothy Young, and even Houdini's horoscope! In addition, I'm offering a PDF of the 1994 Museum Catalog from the Houdini Historical Center. You see all the goodies one could get at the time.

As a reminder, on my Patreon, I offer exclusive content not found on this blog, including material from archives and private collections, as well as my latest historical findings. For example, I recently shared a translation from a 1901 Dutch newspaper interview in which Houdini offers details about his time as a locksmith's apprentice that I've never read before. But do we believe it? This one has sparked a lot of conversation in the comments.

As a patron, you will also receive thanks in my upcoming book, Handcuff King: The Conquests of Harry Houdini, 1900-1909, a special preview of that book, and an exclusive pre-order opportunity. That's all coming later this year. Oh, and you'll also be supporting all my Houdini work, which is the point of Patreon: supporting creators.

So if you are wild about Harry, joining my Patreon is a pretty good idea this year. And what better time than during a month with a double reward? So come hang with us!

Related:

• Announcing WILD ABOUT HARRY on Patreon
• A special reward for my 100 patrons

Houdini concludes his first "3 Shows in One" tour

It was 100 years ago today that Houdini completed the first tour of his full evening "3 Shows in One" in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This was the second half of a split week. The show played two days in Akron before moving on to Harrisburg for the final three shows. The below from the Harrisburg Telegraph gives a nice taste of the show.

Harrisburg Telegraph, May 8, 1926.

This piece also provides some clues about what Houdini's 1926-27 tour would have looked like. It says he is booked in Harrisburg for a February 1927 return, and that the tour itself is already booked through March. Of course, this was never to be. Houdini died two months into his second tour on Halloween 1926.

Built in 1908, the Majestic stood at 323 Walnut Street in Harrisburg. In 1936, it was converted to a movie theater and was renamed the Rio. It closed on October 25, 1954, and was razed in March 1955. Today, Strawberry Square occupies the site.

Want more? Click below to view an original poster from this brief but historically significant 3-day engagement in Harrisburg from Mike Caveney's Egyptian Hall Museum.

Related:

• Houdini's "3 Shows in One" turns 100
• Houdini opens at the Alvin 100 years ago today
• Houdini has no time for love

Houdini Historia De Una Muerte in Valencia, Spain

A new play, Houdini Historia De Una Muerte (Houdini: Story of a Death), opens tomorrow, May 9, at the Flumen Theatre in Valencia, Spain, and plays through May 17, 2026.

Harry Houdini defied everything: chains, prisons, water, and even logic.

In this show, Houdini presents himself to the public in what appears to be his final confession. A fascinating journey through his life, his achievements, and the mystery he himself cultivated around his persona.

With more than ten artists on stage, " Houdini, Story of a Death " combines theater, magic, escapism, dance and a disturbing live séance.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit the official website.

Related:

• Houdini Plays

EXPOSING HOUDINI now shipping!

Charles Greene III's new book, Exposing Houdini: 52 Lost Glass Plate Images, is available now from his website ioniasecrets.com. Charles debuted the book in Paris last week. He tells me he will start shipping pre-orders this week. Charles didn't do a huge print run, so you don't want to delay on this one. Also, the price of $75 is good until after the Magic Collector's Expo (May 12-14), then it goes up to $85.

Here's a reminder of what this book is all about:

Exposing Houdini contains a cache of previously unknown Houdini glass plate images. Now, one hundred years after his death, you can see these unique, iconic, and unpublished images, which are complimented with contemporaneous articles of the events and rarely seen artwork of the Handcuff King. This is a limited offer. Don't miss your chance to see Houdini as you've never seen him before. Order your Exposing Houdini today.

Save some shelf space for this oversized, 10" x 10" coffee table book. It is a hard case book with printed end sheets. The interior consists of 164 pages of 100 lb premium paper that reveal the rarest of the rare Houdini images. Many of which have never been in print.

I'm excited to already have a copy of the book. I'm blown away by these crystal-clear images of Houdini during his halcyon "Handcuff King" days. In fact, I spotted something in the uncropped images of Houdini and his Milk Can in Atlantic City in 1908 that offers a new insight. Can you spot it? Get the book and let me know!

Purchase Exposing Houdini: 52 Lost Glass Plate Images by Charles Greene III at ioniasecrets.com.

Click the top related link below to see more 2026 Houdini book releases. It's a big year!

Related:

• The 2026 Houdini Centennial Bookshelf 📚
• Houdini glass negatives collection sells at auction
• Two major 2026 books now available for pre-order

Photos from David Haig’s MAGIC

Here is a collection of photos from David Haig’s Magic, which is currently playing at the Chichester Festival Theatre until May 16, 2026. The play features Haig as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Hadley Fraser as Houdini, and Jenna Augen as Bess.

You can see more images and buy tickets to Magic at the Chichester Festival Theatre website.

Related:

• See MAGIC at the Chichester Festival Theatre
• The real story of Houdini & Doyle
• 'Houdini Speaks to the Living' 2026 tour

David Copperfield concludes his 25-year MGM run

The big news in magic this week is that David Copperfield has closed his MGM show after a remarkable 25 years. An incredible run with an incredible show. I can't wait to see what comes next for David because he is as active and creative as ever. If I were the moon, I would be very nervous today.

As I revealed here, my upcoming book, Handcuff King: The Conquests of Harry Houdini, 1900-1909, will be an official presentation of David Copperfield's International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts. It's still a few months away (I feel like it wants to be October), but maybe we can think of this as the first post-MGM David Copperfield production? I know I'm working hard to make it worthy of the Copperfield name. A Houdini book that will put Doug Henning's to shame! Haha.

Congratulations to David and his team on a remarkable run. You beat Houdini's record by 24 years and 7 months!

Related:

• David Copperfield ending his MGM show on April 30
• There's a Houdiniesque David Copperfield poster out there (update)
• OFFICIAL POLICE NEWS!

Adventures in AI

I know I'm late to the party, but I've recently been experimenting with using AI in my Houdini work. To be clear, I use NO generative AI for writing. For better or worse, every word of this blog and my new book is written by me. My book is also being edited by a human, Janet Davis, and I'm doing the design myself.

However, there are tasks that AI is pretty darn good at, such as translation. My ability to quickly and easily translate German, Russian, French, and Dutch Houdini posters and newspaper articles has unlocked new information about Houdini's performances in these countries. It's a game-changer that has gone a long way in helping me solve the Germany problem, and has greatly benefited my book.

However, things get trickier when it comes to using AI for research. While it's very good at very specific tasks – such as finding a street address for a long-gone circus building in 1901 – it's not good at deep Houdini research. Its knowledge of Houdini is basic and largely inaccurate. Also, as I recently discovered, it will lie. Not "hallucinate." That's a word people use, but I think it's too polite. AI will deliberately lie and even fabricate evidence for that lie. I know because it happened to me.

I spelled out my experience for my patrons below and have also provided the entire chat between Gemini and me. I think you will be as shocked as I was. There's also a good discussion in the comments.

Ironically, here's what AI has to say about using AI for research:

AI can be extremely useful for mechanical and organizational tasks in historical work. It is much more dangerous when used as an unverified “research assistant,” because AI systems can invent facts, citations, quotations, dates, and even nonexistent books or newspapers.

It's a wild new world! Be careful out there.

Related:

• How to spot AI writing
• Houdini A.I. is inaccurate, artless, and everywhere
• A.I. finally gets Houdini right and... Wow!

Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction

Here's something to add to your 2026 Houdini calendar. Potter & Potter have announced "Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction" for October 31, 2026. The auction will be held at The Magic Castle in Hollywood.

Marking 100 years since the death of Harry Houdini, Potter & Potter will present a landmark sale of Houdini memorabilia on October 31, 2026 at the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. The sale brings to the public for the very first time 100 historic items from the collection of Kevin Connolly, many of which were personally owned by Houdini.

Click here to view a few preview auction items, including the famed Welsh Bros group photo that graces the cover of Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899. This should be a good one!

Related:

• Potter & Potter Houdiniana head scratcher
• When the Welsh Bros. came to town
• The Magic Castle reorganizes with Houdini's help

Lafayette musical with Houdini

A new musical based on the life of magician Lafayette (Sigmund Neuberger ) is set to debut at the Studio Theatre in Edinburgh on May 9, 2026. Houdini, played by Mathew McKenna, is part of the show. In fact, he's third-billed, so he might play a major role.

Blending bold storytelling, breathtaking moments of illusion and a soaring original score, Lafayette explores the cost of greatness and asks what must be sacrificed to become unforgettable.

Inspired by the life and legend of acclaimed illusionist Sigmund Neuberger, better known as The Great Lafayette. On 9th May 1911, whilst performing one of his most famous illusions at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre – then called the Empire Palace Theatre – the world-famous Lafayette was killed by a fire that engulfed the stage. Now, 115 years to the day, a brand new musical will unearth the great magician’s story once again.

Please note this show is a work in progress.

The show is sold out, but you can get more information at the Caption Theatres website.

Thanks to Lance Rich for the tip.

Related:

• For the dogs
• The Magic Detective is hot on the trail of Houdini's lost funeral films
• The first Houdini stage musical, MAN OF MAGIC

LINK: Ask Vance: Harry Houdini in Memphis

Why is Houdini’s name engraved on a brass star outside the Orpheum in Memphis? Don't ask me, Ask Vance! Click the headline or image below for the answer.

Related:

• Ashley Drew discovers Houdini in Memphis (update)
• Houdini hangs in Memphis (the first time)
• Houdini in Memphis

Journey to "The Other Side" on May 9

On Saturday, May 9, The Bob McClure Chautauqua Playreaders (Friends of Chautauqua Theater) will be reading THE OTHER SIDE, a new play about Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle written by Tony-nominated playwright, Jerome Coopersmith, and directed by Jeff Provost.

The reading will be held at 4pm at The Marion Lawrance Room at Hurlbut Memorial (United Methodist) Church, 21 Scott Avenue, Chautauqua, NY 14722.

Tickets are $10.00 at the door. For reservations, email Karen Schwarzwalder at: kschwarzwalder@gmail.com.

Related:

• The real story of Houdini & Doyle
• 'Houdini Speaks to the Living' 2026 tour
• See MAGIC at the Chichester Festival Theatre

"Blood of Houdini" cinematic pop anthem

This is a little overwrought (and likely AI), but I think that's the style of "cinematic pop anthem," and I can't help but get the feels because, you know, he's singing about his connection to Houdini! 🎵 I may not be him, but I carry the flame.🎵 This one might stick in your head.

Related:

• Zabrecky conjures OUR MAGIC
• Dua Lipa unlocks 'Houdini'
• Musicians remain wild about Harry