The History of the Society of American Magicians Assembly 12

Chartered on March 3, 1923, the Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) Assembly 12 serves the Minneapolis and St. Paul Twin Cities area. It is one of the longest-running regional magic clubs in the U.S. and was officially founded during a vaudeville tour stop by legendary magician Harry Houdini. [1, 2, 3, 4]

The Origin

In the early 1920s, a dedicated group of 14 local magicians in the Twin Cities regularly met to practice and discuss magic. At the time, Harry Houdini was serving as the National President of the S.A.M. (from 1917 to 1926) and actively traveled the country to expand the Society’s unified network of professional and amateur magicians. While performing in the Twin Cities, Houdini met with these 14 local conjurers and encouraged them to apply for a formal S.A.M. charter. After paying the $5 charter fee and $27.50 initiation fee for 11 members, Assembly 12 was officially recognized. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

History and Legacy

Since its inception, Assembly 12 has been tightly woven into the rich history of magic in Minnesota:

• The Meeting Hub: For decades, the local magic community has intersected with Assembly 12. A prominent historic landmark associated with the group’s history is Eagle Magic, a Twin Cities magic shop originally established in 1899, which has hosted many of the Assembly’s meetings, lectures, and historical exhibits. [1, 2, 3]
• Houdini’s Local Ties: Harry Houdini (born Erik Weisz) had strong ties to Wisconsin and Minnesota, making Assembly 12 an important piece of his historical legacy. [1]
• Activities: Today, Assembly 12 continues to thrive by hosting regular monthly meetings (both in-person and virtually), lectures, and annual magic auctions. Members consist of both professional entertainers and serious hobbyists dedicated to advancing, elevating, and preserving magic as a performing art. [1, 2, 3]

Getting Involved

Meetings often feature “teach-a-trick” sessions, member performances, and discussions on classic magic literature. Those interested in local magic can check meeting schedules, view event locations and find contact details on the Society of American Magicians Assembly 12 website. [1, 2, 3]

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