Houdini: Keeping Magic History Alive
By Dennis Burks
The Golden Age of Magic, which roughly spanned the 1880s to the 1930s, was a remarkable era when stage magic flourished across the United States.
Theaters in major cities and small towns alike were filled with audiences eager to witness the artistry of performers such as Howard Thurston, Harry Kellar, Adelaide and Alexander Herrmann, Carter the Great, Chung Ling Soo, Harry Blackstone Sr., Max Malini, The Great Leon, McDonald Birch, and Willard the Wizard.
Their illusions shaped the art form and left a legacy that magicians still study today.
Remembering the Golden Age of Magic
In recent years, I’ve immersed myself in books about these performers, many of whom I knew embarrassingly little about. The more I read, the more admiration I gained for their creativity, courage, and showmanship.
The authors who preserve these stories deserve equal recognition. Their research and dedication ensure that magic’s history does not fade away.
Yet outside the magic community, most of these names have been forgotten.
If the general public recognizes anyone from that era, it is usually one man: Harry Houdini.
Even then, many younger people today do not know his name or the adventures he had.
During the Golden Age, however, Houdini and his contemporaries were widely known, even to children. Their performances were cultural events.
Sadly, much of that history has slipped from public memory.
And that is precisely why magicians in Kansas City have taken action.
Houdini’s Historic Kansas City Escape
On September 8, 1915, Harry Houdini performed something extraordinary in Kansas City, Missouri.
This was the date of his first public presentation of his suspended straitjacket escape.
Thousands gathered at 10th and Main Streets to witness the spectacle. Yet today, very few Kansas Citians—and even fewer Americans—are aware that this historic moment happened here.
Determined to preserve this important piece of magic history, the I.B.M. Heart of America Ring 129 and the SAM Bob Klamm Assembly 38 joined forces to ensure the event is not lost to time.
Their mission was twofold:
- Install a permanent historical marker at the site of Houdini’s escape.
- Bring noted Houdini historian John Cox to Kansas City for a public lecture.
Both organizations applied for grants from the Endowment and Development Fund of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund.
The grants were approved, fully funding both projects.
A Permanent Tribute to Houdini
The 165-pound historical marker features the emblems of both the I.B.M. and SAM, along with a metal photograph depicting Houdini’s 1915 escape.
The marker was designed and cast by Sewah Studios.
It arrived in Kansas City during March of this year and was unveiled for the very first time to members at the Ring 129 April meeting.
The reaction was immediate and enthusiastic:
“What a great tribute to Houdini and magic history in Kansas City!”
The marker will be installed at the location of Houdini’s escape, which is now a beautiful courtyard featuring a stunning fountain.
Kansas City has long been known as the City of Fountains.
The property is owned by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (ATA), which graciously granted permission for the installation.
The public unveiling ceremony is scheduled for September 11, 2026.
Celebrating Houdini’s Kansas City Connection
To further celebrate Houdini’s relationship with Kansas City, the second grant-funded event will take place just two days earlier.
On September 9, 2026, Houdini expert John Cox will travel from California to present his lecture:
“Houdini and the Kansas City Connection”
The event is co-sponsored by the Kansas City Public Library.
The lecture, which will help bring this history to life, will take place at the library’s Central Library, just up the street from the site of Houdini’s 1915 escape.
Cox has contributed to numerous Houdini projects and recently annotated the book Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897–1899.
The book chronicles Houdini’s early travels, including his performances in Kansas City.
How exciting would it be if the diary had extended to September 8, 1915?
Although the diary ended in 1899, a local newspaper did record this exciting date in history.
The Kansas City Post Records the Event
The Kansas City Post reported in vivid detail on the event that occurred in front of their building at 10th and Main.
The newspaper’s September 8, 1915, headline read:
“HOUDINI FREES SELF OF STRAIT-JACKET SUSPENDED HEAD DOWNWARD AT THE POST.”
The subheadline read:
“5,000 See Famous Liberator Slip from Torture Garment in Free Exhibition; Experts from Police Tie Straps on Man and Watch Him Release Them.”
The report provides an extraordinary glimpse into the excitement surrounding Houdini’s performance and demonstrates just how much attention his escapes commanded more than a century ago.
More Projects to Preserve Kansas City’s Magical Heritage
Although the grants funded the historical marker and lecture, Ring 129 and Assembly 38 are planning additional projects to honor Kansas City’s magical heritage.
One of the most notable is a commemorative brass coin designed by I.B.M./SAM member Jason Moore.
The coin depicts Houdini suspended above the crowd during his historic 1915 escape.
It serves as another tangible reminder of the important role Kansas City played in Houdini’s career.
September 2026 Proclaimed Harry Houdini Month
The City of Kansas City, Missouri, has also joined in the celebration.
Mayor Quinton D. Lucas has officially proclaimed September 2026 as Harry Houdini Month, recognizing Houdini’s contributions to magic and his historic Kansas City performance.
PROCLAMATION
Recognizing September 2026 as Harry Houdini Month
WHEREAS, Harry Houdini is memorable because he revolutionized the art of escape and illusion, becoming one of the most famous magicians in history; and
WHEREAS, his daring feats, such as escaping from handcuffs, straitjackets, and even locked containers submerged underwater, captivated audiences worldwide; and
WHEREAS, he dedicated himself to exposing fraudulent spiritualists and debunking claims of supernatural abilities; and
WHEREAS, his relentless pursuit of truth and his commitment to the integrity of magic further cemented his legacy; and
WHEREAS, Harry Houdini first publicly performed the suspended straitjacket escape at 10th and Main, Kansas City, Missouri, on September 8, 1915, above an audience of 5,000; and
NOW, THEREFORE, as Mayor of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, I, Quinton D. Lucas, on behalf of the residents of this great city, do hereby proclaim September 2026 as Harry Houdini Month in Kansas City, Missouri.
Quinton D. Lucas
Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri
Magic Is Part of Our Cultural Heritage
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s passing, a meaningful moment for magic organizations to elevate the cultural value of magic.
Even the United States government has acknowledged magic’s significance.
House Resolution 642 (114th Congress, 2015–2016) recognized magic as a rare and valuable art form and national treasure. Although the resolution did not pass, it helped raise awareness of magic’s importance.
Kelly Rusk, president of Ring 129, shared:
“Every magician today has been influenced in some way by Harry Houdini. He is still the most recognized magician in the world.”
The Power of Working Together
With the creativity and passion found in our magic organizations, there is no limit to how we can continue promoting magic as an art form and preserving its history.
The collaboration between I.B.M. Ring 129 and SAM Assembly 38 is a powerful example of what can be achieved when magicians unite behind a shared purpose.
The word that comes to mind is synergy.
Synergy is the idea that the combined efforts of multiple groups can produce results far greater than what each could accomplish alone.
In Kansas City, that synergy is helping ensure that magic history and Houdini’s legacy remain alive for generations to come.