Here are a few of the benefits of membership in the S A M.

M-U-M Magazine

As a Member of the Society of American Magicians, you will receive the monthly magazine M-U-M, named from our motto, Magic-Unity-Might.

The M-U-M magazine is an exclusive benefit to our members and is not available by subscription or to non-members. Access to this quality monthly publication alone is worth the cost of your yearly membership fee.

Each month you will have the opportunity to learn new tricks and techniques as described by their creators in the pages of M-U-M. Every month you will also receive news of the conjuring world, while adding to your skills and repertoire. Periodically there are special issues such as posters and pull out sections.

Monthly articles deal with the business of magic, publicity, showmanship, the history of magic and the lives of famous magicians. Many of the most creative minds in the business are regular contributors to M-U-M. Everything you need to hone your skills as a conjurer is at your fingertips on a monthly basis in M-U-M.

Each Society of American Magicians Assembly is encouraged to report its activities in M-U-M. This allows members throughout the world to share ideas and activities.

In addition to all of this, many major magic dealers in the world advertise in M-U-M. New effects are presented, as they become available, as well as the latest books and videos, plus each month, several pages are devoted to new product reviews. You can find rare (and not-so-rare) magic items offered by magic dealers.

S.A.M. National Convention

The S.A.M. sponsors an annual convention held in a different city each year. The four-day event features performances by famous magicians from around the world, with lots of stage shows, close-up shows and magic lectures.

There are close-up and stage contests, exhibitors who offer information and sale of magic props, books, tapes, publications, collectibles and items related to magic and other variety arts. The convention features events for young magicians and alternative events for non-magicians. Gala stage shows are held in nearby theatres for the conventioneers and tickets to these exciting evening events are also sold to the public.

There is something for everyone at the S.A.M. National Convention. That's why over 1000 people attend this world-class event each year.

National Magic Week

Each year governors, mayors and other governing bodies throughout the country are requested to issue proclamations declaring the last week in October as National Magic Week, encouraging magicians throughout the country to participate in the activities.

The Society of American Magicians adopted the idea of National Magic Week as a way of promoting the Art of Magic by performing shows at orphanages, hospitals and nursing homes for those who would have difficulty getting to a theatre to see a live performance. The members of the Society of American Magicians that participate in these shows find it a rewarding activity. Many people enjoy magic shows during this week that otherwise would not be able to do so.

The roots of National Magic Week go back over 80 years. Before there was a National Magic Week there was a National Magic Day. It all started with a "Houdini Day" in the summer of 1927, less than one year from the death of Harry Houdini. A trophy in honor of Houdini, who served as the President of the Society of American Magicians for nine years until his death on October 31, 1926, was presented by Mrs. Harry Houdini in New York City.

Nevada's 2005 Proclamation of Magic Week. Click the image to enlarge.

There were many other "Houdini Days" following, but it was not until 1938 that Les Sholty, a Chicago member of the Society of American Magicians, sought official sanction for a "Houdini Day." A friend of the Houdini's requested and obtained permission from Mrs. Houdini to proclaim October 31 as National Magic Day in honor of Harry Houdini. The plan was formulated at that time to have free performances for shut-ins and handicapped people.

Many newspapers carried the story about National Magic Day and various magical societies kept the idea alive. It was not long when National Magic Day became National Magic Week.

The first radio broadcast about National Magic Day occurred over radio station KQW on July 20, 1938. Mrs. Harry Houdini participated in that broadcast.

Magic displays can be found at libraries, stores and malls throughout the country during National Magic Week.

Each Assembly of the Society of American Magicians is encouraged to send in a list of their planned events so they may be published on the website. Additionally, each Assembly is encouraged to submit their Magic Week activities photos, publicity received, scans of Proclamations and letters of recognition and all other Magic Week items for publication on the website and to have them included in the annual CD. Items should be sent to the Magic Week Chair, Maria Ibanez at merlina17@aol.com.

National Magic Week is the S.A.M.'s and the magical fraternity's way of sharing with others in a great art form that is deeply loved by those who participate in it.

To read the current Society of American Magicians Proclamation of Magic Week, just click the link. The News Page will list upcoming magic week events around the country as the time approaches.

SAMtalking.com Online Community

All members also receive entry into an exclusive online community forum, SAMtalking.com. As a participant, you can enjoy all this:

• Real-time communication within each Assembly
• Group conversations with other Assemblies in your region
• Opportunities for members without Assemblies to interact with other S.A.M. members
• Direct pipelines to Regional Vice Presidents and other officers, all the way up to the National President
• Conversations among the entire global S.A.M. community
• Discussion areas ranging from magical effects, to volunteering for special programs, to the latest issue of M-U-M
• Marketplaces where you can buy, sell, and trade effects, books, DVDs, and collectibles with your fellow compeers
• The ability to send and receive personal messages to other S.A.M. members around the world
• And more!

SAMtalking.com is available only to S.A.M. members. So join today, and take full advantage of your membership in the the oldest, most prestigious, and now most connected magical society in the world.

Film & Tape Library

The S.A.M. Film & Tape Library is an excellent video resource of the history of magic and magicians from around the globe. Performances by Harry Houdini, Dai Vernon, The Great Blackstone, Thurston, Tarbell, Slydini, Jay Marshall, David Copperfield and Harry Anderson are among the hundreds of performances available on VHS tape.

Tapes are available for Assemblies and members to borrow for a nominal fee to cover postage and handling.

The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund, Inc.

The S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund, Inc., founded in 1986, is a non-profit foundation for the advancement of the Art of Magic. The Fund was established by the Society to administer several charitable programs designed to promote magic and aid magicians.

Since its inception, the Fund has distributed over $250,000 to promote interest in the magical arts, support a youth development program, provide for hospital benefits to need magicians and to provide scholarships and fellowships for magical education among adult and teenage magicians.

The Houdini Fund

Magicians who have fallen ill or have been injured may be helped through the Houdini Fund, an integral part of the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Foundation. The Fund will assist any magicians who are in financial need, with extra expenses normally not covered by insurance, such as nurses, oxygen, wheelchairs ,and other similar medical requirements. Funds are granted for comfort assistance such as in- hospital TV rentals and news paper delivery, outpatient aides and additional drug assistance. The Fund has paid for transportation to and from medical facilities. These are grants and not loans. Payments are kept confidential. All applications for assistance must be in writing and need to state your magical affiliation, the reason for your need and a letter from a doctor to certify that you are under medical care. Mail to:

Houdini Fund Trustees
1735 East 26 Street
Brooklyn NY 11229

Over the past several years, the Endowment Fund has developed an after-school program entitled "Say 'Yes' to Magic." Through that program, youngsters are taught the history, techniques and skills of magic and are helped to use their imagination and self-confidence as they explore the wonders of magic. This program has been made possible through a major grant from the Eli Lilly Foundation.

The Magic Endowment Fund each year has awarded anywhere from two to five scholarships for summer camps to those children in financial need. In addition, fellowships have been granted to professional performers so they have the ability to travel and deliver lectures for the promotion of magic.

The Slydini Magic Fellowship Fund provides financial assistance to any magician who is confined in a nursing home or similar type of institution, as well as provides fellowships and scholarships for magicians who want to attend schools of magic.

The Harry and Trudy Monti College Scholarship Fund is a fund to provide scholarships for tuition and/or books to magicians who are adept in the field of magic, possess the potential of performing magic professionally, attend college as full-time students registered in a curriculum containing courses in drama/theater and business and/or marketing, in addition to having demonstrated academic achievement and financial need.

Through a matching grant, the Fund has established the Leslie P. Guest Memorial Award, created in memory of Past President and editor of "M-U-M," Leslie Guest. The award is presented each year for the most outstanding contribution to magic and is a matching grant to every dollar contributed. A matching dollar is made by two donors. Through its endowment, the Fund has made annual contributions to the S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum, Inc., in Hollywood, California.

Contributions are solicited from all those interested in magic. The Fund is a non-profit corporation and contributions to it are tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501 c 3.

For further information concerning the S.A.M. Endowment Fund, please write to the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund, 15 Warren Street, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601.

S.A.M. Hall of Fame & Magic Museum

The S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum, Inc., is a non-profit educational corporation, founded in l967. The facility, located in Hollywood, California, features several attractions including tours, performances, lectures on the history of magic and a library. The museum illustrates the history of magic from ancient Egypt to the twentieth century. Life-size figures of magicians are displayed performing effects for which they became famous.

One of the museum's main features is the Herbert Downs Memorial Library, which houses an ever-growing collection of magic books, magazines and other historical materials. The Ronald and Ruth Haines Memorial Gallery houses one of the most extensive collections of playing cards in the world. The Hall of Fame Gallery contains photographs of the most famous magicians in history. There is no charge for visiting the facility, however arrangements must be made in advance.

<<< Howard Thurston makes a magical gesture at the 'Sawing A Woman In Half' illusion in one of the many exhibits at the Society of American Magicians Hall Of Fame & Museum. (Photo: Warren Kaps)

Other S.A.M. Activities

The full scope of activities of the Society of American Magicians are too numerous to list here. The S.A.M. is very active in many facets of the Art of Magic, including an ongoing investigation into psychic and occult phenomena, as well as the discovery of fraudulent claims of paranormal abilities.

The S.A.M. seeks to protect its members and all magicians from those who would wantonly expose magical secrets to the public, as well as all other unethical activities.

For many years the Society of American Magicians has been encouraging the U. S. Postal Service to issue a stamp honoring the memory of Houdini. He is a person with an international reputation and his name is almost synonymous with magic.

Once you join the S.A.M. you can learn about many other benefits available to members, such as awards and honors, pins, certificates, trophies and Life Membership.

General Liability Insurance

A $1,000,000 liability insurance policy is an optional benefit available to members of the S.A.M. This policy is available at a reasonable cost through a Best 'A' rated insurance company. The program covers all participating S .A.M. members who are residents of the United States for their performances in the U.S.A., Puerto Rico, U.S. territories and Canada. Coverage provides spectator liability and premises liability including property damage.

The Society of Young Magicians

In 1984, five members of the Society of American Magicians founded the Society of Young Magicians (S.Y.M.) to encourage young people between the ages of 7 and 17 to consider magic as a hobby. In 1988 the S.A.M. amended its Constitution to admit Young Members (Y.M.), and adopted the S.Y.M. as its youth program. All members of the S.Y.M. automatically became Y.M. of the S.A.M. The amendment paved the way to chartering the 31 already existing S.Y.M. Assemblies.

Today there are over 100 chartered S.Y.M. Assemblies, fully integrated into the S.A.M. All S.Y.M. Assemblies have adult S.A.M. Ieaders who provide guidance and magic instruction. Other activities include guest lecturers and special programs that provide members with an opportunity to perform. Leaders receive their own newsletter, The S.Y.M. Leader Letter, as an excellent idea resource. Some adult S.A.M. Assemblies allow Y.M.'s to participate in their activities as well.

All Young Members are encouraged to participate in special activities at the annual S.A.M. National Convention, such as the Young Member Workshop, the Young Member Professional Show, an Autograph Party with professional magicians, "Kids Doing Magic For Kids," and an apportunity to participate in the Junior Category stage and close-up contests.

YOUNG MEMBERSHIP

Young Members receive a membership card, membership pin and a monthly publication The Magic SYMbol. Written especially for young magicians, it features news about the youth program, articles by well-known magicians and by Young Members themselves.Also included are easy-to-perform magic tricks and advice on how to grow and become proficient in the Art of Magic Theatre.

Membership Classifications and Rates:

• Assembly, Junior Assembly, or Associate Member
  $65.00 Dues plus postage surcharge (see note 1)
  Annual dues include a yearly subscription to M-U-M Magazine.
  
• Household Member (Resides in same household as a Member)
  $25.00 Dues
• Canadian / Mexican New Member
  $75.00 ($65.00 annual dues plus $10.00 postage surcharge)
• Join The SAM: International New Member
  $85.00 ($65.00 annual dues plus $20.00 postage surcharge)
• S.Y.M. Member (Age 7 to 17)
  $20.00 Dues plus postage surcharge (see note 2)
  Includes a yearly subscription to The Magical SYMbol
  Total: $20.00
• Reinstatements
  $5.00 Reinstatement Fee plus Annual Dues plus postage surcharge (see note 1)
  Total: $55.00

Local Assembly Dues are set by each assembly and are paid directly to the Assembly Secretary.

Note 1: Postage Surcharge- Members: Florida members must add $2.10 for magazine tax. All members receiving M-U-M outside the 50 States and Puerto Rico MUST include an Annual Postage Surcharge IN ADDITION TO Annual Dues according to the following schedule: Canada & Mexico- add $5.00; All other countries (magazine mailed through ISAL)- add $15.00. The S.A.M. will automatically apply the appropriate charge to your order and notify you of the total on your receipt.

Note 2: Postage Surcharge- Young Members: All Young Members receiving The Magic SYMbol outside the U.S.A., Canada or Mexico must include an Annual Postage Surcharge of $10.00

To join, simply click here for online application!

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The Society of American Magicians Historical Notes

The S.A.M. was established on May 10,1902, in the city of New York, with a membership of 24.

On February 7,1903, Ehrich Weiss (a.k.a. Harry Houdini) was elected to membership.

The Fourth Annual Dinner Show held on June 4,1908, included Harry Kellar, Harry Houdini, Howard Thurston, Signor Deadato, Imro Fox, T. Nelson Downs, and others!

In June,1917, Harry Houdini was elected National President of the S.A.M., a position he held until his untimely death on October 31, 1926.

Over 250 S.A.M. Assemblies have been established world wide.

"M-U-M" is the official publication of the S.A.M. The letters stand for "Magic - Unity - Might".

The Society of Young Magicians (S.Y.M.) was established in July,1984. Nearly 100 S.Y.M. Assemblies have been established since that time. The official publication of the S.Y.M. is The "Magic SYMbol."

In July 2002, the Society celebrated its Centennial Year in New York City.

Also in July of 2002, on the 3rd, the US Postal Services issued a Houdini Commemorative Stamp during the Centennial Celebration

Deans of The Society of American Magicians

Harry Kellar 1910-1922
Frederick Eugene Powell 1922-1938
Al Baker 1941-1951
Jean Hugard 1952-1959
Herman Hanson 1959-1973
Werner F. Dornfield 1974-1982
H. Adrian Smith 1983-1992
Jay Marshall 1992-2005
George Schindler 2005

Over a hundred years have passed between the two photos. Presidents Andy Dallas and Harry Houdini pose with Deans George Schindler and Harry Kellar.

Past National Presidents of
The Society of American Magicians

1902-05 W. Golden Mortimer* 1905-06 John W. Sargent* 1906-08 Francis J. Werner* 1908-09 Oscar S. Teale* 1909-10 William A. Ransom* 1910-11 Elmer P. Ransom* 1911-12 Charles Roltare* 1912-14 Henry Hatton* 1914-15 Lionel M. Homburger* 1915-17 Richard Van Dien* 1917-26 Harry Houdini* 1926-27 Bernard M. L. Ernst* 1927-29 Howard Thurston* 1929-30 Theodore Hardeen* 1930-31 James C. Wobensmith* 1931-32 Werner F. Dornfield* 1932-33 Bertram E. Adams* 1933-34 William H. McCaffrey* 1934-35 William R. Walsh* 1935-36 Julien J. Proskauer* 1936-37 Irving R. Calkins, M.D.* 1937-38 Theodore T. Golden* 1938-39 Nate Leipzig* 1939-40 Eugene Bernstein* 1940-41 H. Adrian Smith* 1941-42 Richard Cardini* 1942-43 Herman Hanson* 1943-44 John B. Handy* 1944-45 Warren E. Simms* 1945-46 Raymond F. Muse* 1946-47 Bert Allerton* 1947-48 Charles C. Slayton* 1948-49 John McArdle* 1949-50 Dr. Harlan Tarbell* 1950-51 Richard DuBois* 1951-52 Austin C. Gorham* 1952-53 Leslie P. Guest* 1953-55 William R. Greenough* 1956-57 Charles O. Schoke* 1957-58 Milbourne Christopher* 1958-59 Hugh R. Riley* 1955-56 Lloyd E. Jones* 1959-60 Thomas K. Hawbecker* 1960-61 William J. McCarthy* 1961-62 Neil C. Doren, M.D.*

1962-63 George E. Mueller, M.D.* 1963-64 Edward Schneider* 1964-65 J. Ronald Haines* 1965-66 James C. Johnson, M.D.* 1966-67 John U. Zweers* 1967-68 Vynn Boyar* 1968-69 Edward A. Schuman* 1969-70 Forrest F. Sample* 1970-71 Bradley M. Jacobs 1971-72 J. Gary Bontjes* 1972-73 Edward E. Mishell* 1973-74 Richard L. Gustafson 1974-75 William P. Dunbaugh* 1975-76 Dr. Roy Kupsinel 1976-77 Charles W. Brigham* 1977-78 Donald E. Lea* 1978-79 Roy A. Snyder 1979-80 Bruce Fletcher 1980-81 James Zachary 1981-82 Henry Moorehouse 1982-83 Herb Downs* 1983-84 Frank W. Dailey 1984-85 Raymond M. Corbin* 1985-86 Cesareo R. Pelaez 1986-87 David R. Goodsell 1987-88 William E. Andrews 1988-89 Robert A. Steiner 1989-90 Fr. Cyprian Murray, OFM, Cap. 1990-91 Margaret Dailey* 1991-92 Michael D. Douglass 1992-93 George Schindler 1993-94 Dan Rodriguez 1994-95 Dan Garrett 1995-96 Don Oltz 1996-97 Craig Dickson 1997-98 Loren Lind 1998-99 Gary Hughes 1999-2000 Harry Monti 2000-2001 Jann Goodsell 2001-2002 Warren Kaps 2002-2003 Ed Thomas 2003-2004 Jay Gorham 2004-2005 John W. Apperson 2005-2006 Rich Dooley 2006-2007 Andy Dallas (* deceased)

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