This historic marker was the brainchild of Dennis Burks, who organized with his local IBM Ring 129 and local SAM Assembly 38 to make this a reality. Funding for the marker was provided through grants from the SAM Magic Endowment Fund and the IBM Endowment and Development Fund.
Yesterday's ceremony was opened with remarks by Dennis, followed by words from me explaining Houdini's suspended straitjacket escape and the significance of the marker. Kelly Rusk, IBM Ring 129 President, then read the Kansas City Proclamation recognizing September 2026 as Harry Houdini Month. Matt Gurley, SAM Assembly 38 President, read an email from the national President Michael J. Heckenberger and the text of the historical marker. The marker itself was then unveiled to applause. As you can see above, it's a beauty!
But the best was yet to come. Magician David Sandy took over as emcee and introduced St. Joseph magician and escape artist Lance Rich, who performed his own suspended straitjacket escape. The crowd loved it. You can watch the video that I shot of the escape on my Patreon below.
It was a terrific event that came off without a hitch. It had been raining in Kansas City all week, but for this one day the skies cleared and it was beautiful. Harry wouldn't have had it any other way!
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Good to see that he will never be forgotten. Wish I could visit. Attending an event in London Hippodrome UK on Halloween.
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