About The Society of American Magicians
The Society of American Magicians, founded on May 10, 1902, in Martinka’s famous magic shop in New York City, New York, is the oldest and most prestigious magical society in the world. For over a century it has promoted the ideals shared by Kellar, Houdini, Thurston and more than 47,000 others world-wide who have held membership in the society. Those ideals include the elevation of the Art of Magic, the promotion of harmony among magicians, and the opposition of the unnecessary public exposure of magical effects.
The S.A.M. offers the opportunity to unite and associate with leaders in the World of Magic – not only professionals, but amateurs, manufacturers, magic dealers, book authors and magic collectors. Through its monthly publications, annual conventions, and with almost 300 Assemblies throughout the world, the S.A.M. provides the necessary forum for the advancement of magic through discussions, lectures, research, performances, and exchange of magic secrets within the magic community. To promote those endeavors the S.A.M. presents awards and fellowships in recognition of outstanding achievement in the Art of Magic.
If you have a serious interest in the Art of Magic then you, too, can follow in the footsteps of Harry Houdini, Harry Blackstone, Jr., Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton and David Copperfield by joining the most prestigious magical organization in the world – The Society of American Magicians.
The Society of American Magicians Historical Notes
The S.A.M. offers the opportunity to unite and associate with leaders in the World of Magic – not only professionals, but amateurs, manufacturers, magic dealers, book authors and magic collectors. Through its monthly publications, annual conventions, and with almost 300 Assemblies throughout the world, the S.A.M. provides the necessary forum for the advancement of magic through discussions, lectures, research, performances, and exchange of magic secrets within the magic community. To promote those endeavors the S.A.M. presents awards and fellowships in recognition of outstanding achievement in the Art of Magic.
If you have a serious interest in the Art of Magic then you, too, can follow in the footsteps of Harry Houdini, Harry Blackstone, Jr., Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton and David Copperfield by joining the most prestigious magical organization in the world – The Society of American Magicians.
The Society of American Magicians Historical Notes
- The Society of American Magicians was established on May 10,1902, in New York City, 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
About Our Assembly
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Chicago Assembly No. 3 was, as the name implies, only the third regional club to be established by the S.A.M., whose assemblies now number in the hundreds. It was also the first club established by the then-new National President of the organization, Harry Houdini. In 1919, he signed Assembly Number Three's charter into existence, and that charter and this club continue to provide Chicago magicians with a connection to each other and to our past.
A dizzying number of important contributors to the magical art have come from Chicago. And many of them have been closely connected with S.A.M. 3. Dorny (Werner Dornfield) popular comedian, MC, and magician. Holder of the triple crown of SAM honors: President of S.A.M. 3, President of the National organization, and National Dean. S.A.M. 3 is named in his honor as the Werner Dornfield Assembly. Harlan Tarbell marketing visionary, author, and illustrator of the monumental Tarbell Course in Magic, which he originally created as a mail-order correspondence course and which helped popularize magic as a hobby in the early 20th century; to this day, it continues to be an invaluable resource for every serious student of the art. President of S.A.M. 3, President of the National organization, and respected performer. Bert Allerton -- the man responsible for bringing close-up magic into high society as house magician of the Pump Room during its glamorous heyday in the 1930s and 40s. President of S.A.M. 3, President of the National organization. Many of the effects that were his trademarks are still performed by discriminating close-up performers today. Jim Ryan legend of Chicago bar magic. Member of S.A.M. 3 and freely shared his hard-earned practical knowledge with its membership. Marshall Brodien beloved by generations of Chicagoans as Wizzo the Wizard on the popular WGN-TV show, Bozo's Circus, and known throughout the nation as the creator of TV Magic sets and cards, which popularized magic as a hobby in the late 20th century. Member of SAM3 and judge at the Magic Competition at Navy Pier (2006). Chicago Assembly No. 3 meets on the fourth Monday of every month at 7:30pm at the Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL. There are some exceptions to this rule, however, so please contact us before scheduling a visit. Find out about the benefits of joining the Society of American Magicians. For more information, please contact us at sam3chicago@gmail.com. |
Our original Charter, signed in 1919 by then-National President Harry Houdini. Among the founding members listed is Werner Dornfield.
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2019-20 Officers
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Stephen Antler Secretary |
Alan Koslow Treasurer |
Nancy Anderson Board Member |
Brian Carter Board Member |
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Who is Werner F. Dornfield?
Werner "Dorny" Dornfield (October 7, 1892 - September 5, 1982), served as National President and then Dean of the Society of American Magicians, performed on vaudeville stages and attended many magic conventions.
As a soldier in World War I, he became a member of the variety show. Dorny became involved with the I.B.M. and was given Number 4, though he claimed to be the first official member since the others were all officers.
He was a close friend of Houdini and Thurston. Howard Thurston had asked him to head his No.2 show, but he chose to be a magical MC for a lot less money and a lot fewer headaches.
The Chicago SAM Assembly #3, which he was a founding member, was named in his honor. He was also a member of the Magic Circle, the Dean of the Mazda Mystic Ring and the Wizards' Club in Chicago.
Dorny regularly penned a column for Abbott's Tops magazine.
Source: Magipedia
As a soldier in World War I, he became a member of the variety show. Dorny became involved with the I.B.M. and was given Number 4, though he claimed to be the first official member since the others were all officers.
He was a close friend of Houdini and Thurston. Howard Thurston had asked him to head his No.2 show, but he chose to be a magical MC for a lot less money and a lot fewer headaches.
The Chicago SAM Assembly #3, which he was a founding member, was named in his honor. He was also a member of the Magic Circle, the Dean of the Mazda Mystic Ring and the Wizards' Club in Chicago.
Dorny regularly penned a column for Abbott's Tops magazine.
Source: Magipedia