Compeers,

October is now upon us and so, as National President of the S.A.M., it is my pleasure to proclaim October 25 through 31 as National Magic Week. For over 40 years The Society of American Magicians has set aside the last 7 days of October to observe National Magic Week to celebrate the charitable work done by the National Organization, the local Assemblies and S.A.M. members throughout the year.

National Magic Week dates back to the summer of 1927, a few months after the death of Harry Houdini. At that time “Houdini Day” was established and in 1938 Les Sholty, a S.A.M. member from Chicago sought official sanction for a “Houdini Day.” A friend of the Houdini’s requested and obtained permission from Mrs. Houdini to proclaim October 31st as National Magic Day in honor of Harry Houdini. A plan was formulated to celebrate this day by having free magic performances for shut-ins and the handicapped that would otherwise not be able to go out and enjoy a show.

Soon National Magic Day became National Magic Week.

Today, S.A.M. members and Assemblies celebrate National Magic Week in a variety of ways. Most often it is celebrated in the same way it has been for over 80 years, by giving free performances for retirement homes, hospitals, orphanages and for other groups not able to get out to enjoy a magic show. Many Assemblies also seek proclamations from state and local officials declaring the last 7 days of October “National Magic Week.” Still other Assemblies and members put historical magic displays in libraries during this week.

S.A.M. Assemblies and members are asked to send a list of their planned events to National Magic Week Chair, Jeff Sikora at Jeff@magicsam.com. Also please include news of all the charitable events and good work that your members and Assemblies are involved in throughout the year as National Magic Week celebrates all charitable works done by S.A.M. members. These events will be published on the website to give the Assemblies and members well-deserved credit for their charitable work. Assemblies and individuals are also asked to submit their National Magic Week activities photos, publicity received, scans of Proclamations and letters of recognition as well as any other National Magic Week items.

The National Magic Week Committee has created the S.A.M. Humanitarian Award to be given annually to the person or persons who best exemplify the spirit of National Magic Week; the spirit of doing charitable work throughout the year. For more information about the S.A.M. Humanitarian Award, contact Jeff Sikora at Jeff@magicsam.com.

Although National Magic Week is the last 7 days of October, the intent and purpose of National Magic Week is to celebrate the charitable contributions, good deeds and good work done by S.A.M. Assemblies and members throughout the year.

On a personal note, it is the willingness of S.A.M. members to give back to their communities that makes be proud to be a member of this organization. This is why I ran for President in the first place.

Thank you all for everything that you do,


Dal Sanders
The Society of American Magicians
National President

Please honor Houdini, who built the National to where it is today, by taking care of his grave site on a permanent basis.

It is little enough to honor his vision and hard work as President from 1917 to 1926 that developed the greatest movement in the history of magic, the growth of The Society of American Magicians to where it is today with thousands of dues paying members and hundreds of branches all over the world.

Respectfully,
Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz