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Fifty Years of Escapes, Ephemera, and Houdini Lore: Preserving a Rhode Island Connection

  • October 29, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

  • Museum of Work and Culture

    42 South Main Street
    Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895
Ticket Price $27.38-$43.14 This event is not available
Description

The Museum of Work & Culture will host Rhode Island-based professional magician and entertainer Lon Cerel on Thursday, October 29, from 6 - 8 p.m. For 50 years, Cerel has acted as a custodian of magic history, building a museum-grade archive of manacles, stage-used apparatus, rare correspondence, and ephemeral artifacts belonging to Harry Houdini. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of this legendary performer, discover his Rhode Island connections, and get an up-close look at some authentic Houdini artifacts.

October 31, 2026, also marks the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death. To mark this historic centennial, the Museum of Work & Culture is partnering with Cerel for a special public presentation. For the first time in 50 years, Cerel’s collection will be on public display, and he will be discussing primary source items from his collection.

The program begins at 6 pm with a VIP wine and cheese reception where guests will get an intimate guided look at the artifacts. The main event will begin at 7 pm and feature a 30 min talk by Cerel where he will detail the history represented in his collection, recount the stories associated with the artifacts, including that of Houdini’s last days, and discuss his own death-defying high-altitude, upside-down straitjacket escape performed in 1976 for the 50th anniversary of Houdini’s death. A Q&A will follow.

Date & Time

Thu, Oct 29, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Venue Details

Museum of Work and Culture

42 South Main Street
Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895 Museum of Work and Culture
Rhode Island Historical Society

The Rhode Island Historical Society, the state's oldest and only statewide historical organization, is dedicated to honoring, interpreting and sharing Rhode Island's past to enrich the present and inspire the future. Founded in 1822, the RIHS is an advocate for history as a means to develop empathy and 21st  -century skills, using its historical materials and knowledge to explore topics of timeless relevance and public interest. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, it is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible public programming and educational opportunities for all Rhode Islanders through its four sites: the John Brown House Museum, the Museum of Work & Culture, the Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center and the Aldrich House.


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