In one week, Houdini comes home (maybe)

I can hardly believe that in just one week I will be waking up inside Houdini's New York home (278) and preparing for a day of historic séances. No séance has taken place inside 278 since 1971, so this is pretty special. Of course, there are many other Houdini séance events happening on Halloween, but nothing could keep me away from this one. Heck, even if there weren't any séances, 278 is where I would most want to spend this 100th Anniversary. And it's still not too late to join us.

This event is the brainchild of magician Reynold Alexander and the homeowners, Niro Anandasabapathy and Vincent Toms. All proceeds benefit cancer research at the Anandasabapathy Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine and the restoration and preservation of Houdini's House. Every effort is being made to create a special environment and vibe with a pianist, wine and cheese, and lots of Halloween atmosphere. Photos of Houdini inside the house will be displayed, along with some Houdini artifacts discovered during the restoration and others brought by attendees. Dress is formal. Yes, this is a black-tie Halloween event!

I will be giving a short talk on Houdini, the house, and what this séance signifies. I'll then give the house tour. I'll point out where some of the famous photos were taken and share a few house secrets. The séance will be held in the dining room, which was once Houdini's library. This was Houdini favorite place in the world to be, and some say he's still here!

There has been one change regarding who will be leading the séances. Originally, it was announced that Jodi Lynn, a certified psychic, would conduct all three séances. She impressed the attendees of the Official Houdini Séance in 2022, and she was excited to try again. However, a family matter has made Jodi unavailable in October.

Instead of bringing in an untested psychic or medium, we decided to return to the great tradition of the Annual Houdini Séance. The legendary Dorothy Dietrich will lead the 1:26 charity séance. Walter B. Gibson, who knew Houdini and spent a lot of time inside 278, handed Dorothy the séance tradition in 1976, and she has kept it going for 50 years alongside her partner Dick Brookz. It seems fitting that Dorothy should do her famous scene inside the house on this 100th anniversary. It's history on top of history!

Dorothy is passed the mantle by Walter B. Gibson 

and Milbourne Christopher in 1976.

For the 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM séances, magician Jessica Jane will take the reins and conduct the séances. Jessica has a deep love and understanding of Houdini and was educated in séance traditions by the late Rev. William Rauscher, a close family friend. Jessica will be trying some things no other séance has ever thought to try. I'm really excited for Jessica to bring a new approach and energy to the Houdini séance tradition. She is the next generation.

Jessica Jane has a message for Harry. Will he answer?

Every attendee will receive a Houdini house brick, a mini wand made from 278 wood by Barry Spector, and a few other special mementos of the evening. I'm so excited to be part of this and to be among a confluence of people who love and honor Houdini. How can the man himself not drop by?

The 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM séances have been sold out for months, but someone recently had to cancel, so two seats are now open for the 6:30 PM séance (as of this writing). If you want to be part of history, I'd grab one of these seats now. There are 5 spots open on the 1:26 PM charity séance. All proceeds from that séance go to cancer research.

Visit the official Houdini Anniversary Séance website, houdini.nyc, for more information and to reserve a seat. Whether Houdini joins us or not, this will be a memorable and historic gathering.

See you inside.

Related:

• Inside Houdini's 278
• The haunting of Houdini's 278
• New 278 owners committed to preserving Houdini history