History of the S.A.M.

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.

Come visit us

3rd Wednesday of each month. We meet from 6:30 – 10:00 pm.

• 6:30 to 7:00 pm – Greet and Meet Time
• 7:00 to 8:30 pm – Workshop Time (learning new effects or Lecture time)
• 8:30 to 10:00 pm – Performance Time (bring a trick to perform)

Come visit us at:

Veterans of Foreign Wars
1919 Wendell Lane
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Guests are welcome to visit two times before being asked to join.

Our Goals

The following are the Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives statements developed by the Long Range Planning Committee which were approved at the National Council Meeting in November, 2009:

VISION (PURPOSE)

The purpose of this Society shall be to advance, elevate, and preserve magic as a performing art, to promote harmonious fellowship throughout the world of magic and to maintain and improve ethical standards in the field of magic.

MISSION

It is the mission of The Society of American Magicians to promote an environment for the worldwide magic community that fosters fellowship, preservation of the magical arts, ethical standards, education, and personal growth.

GOAL 1: Improve the program of services for all of our members

(a) Objective: Expand and improve the information provided to and communication with our members
(b) Objective: Improve the fellowship within the Society and create a sense of pride in belonging to the S.A.M.
(c) Objective: Improve the structure of the Society
(d) Objective: Expand and improve the Services provided to members
(e) Objective: Expand and improve the educational and learning opportunities provided to members

GOAL 2: Provide opportunities, to those interested, to learn magic and about magic

(a) Objective: Develop a program for teaching non members to learn magic
(b) Objective: Provide specific news releases that target the media to educate the public about magic

GOAL 3: Provide prudent fiscal leadership for the Society

(a) Objective: Generate more income for the Society
(b) Objective: Investigate ways to reduce the expenditures of the Society

GOAL 4: Establish policy and standards of ethics

(a) Objective: Establish an ethics statement for all members
(b) Objective: Partner with all magic organizations

GOAL 5: Preserve and honor the history of magic and magicians

(a) Objective: Establish a “family tree” of the S.A.M. and then broaden to all magic
(b) Objective: Develop a strategic data base of magic.

How many meetings can a non-member attend?

 If you are interested in magic, you are allowed to attend two of our meetings each year. To attend more and take advantage of membership, you must join the national Society of American Magicians and our local assemble #112. To join national you can get more information at www.magicsam.com.

What is the Society of American Magicians?

 The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.), 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 over 30,000 others world-wide who have held membership in the society. These 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 with amateurs, manufacturers, magic dealers, book authors and magic collectors. Through its monthly publications, annual conventions, and with over 250 “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 these 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.