The Detroit Historical Society (DHS) is marking the 100th anniversary of magician and escape artist Harry Houdini's death, which occurred in Detroit a century ago. To commemorate this milestone, the DHS has organized two distinct events that offer deeper insight into his life, magic, and connection to Detroit. These events are part of the DHS’s broader Spooky Week activities.
On Friday afternoon, Jeremy Dimick, DHS Director of Collections and Curatorial, will present a lecture titled “Detroit was Wild About Harry (Houdini)” at 2 p.m. at the Detroit Historical Museum. Dimick plans to delve into the specifics of Houdini’s 19 performances in Detroit, exploring the circumstances surrounding them and the public’s reaction. He will also discuss how these shows reflected the overall trajectory of Houdini’s career. Admission to this lecture is free for DHS members, while non-members can attend for $15. A related Houdini talk scheduled for Thursday was previously sold out, according to the DHS website.
The commemoration continues on Saturday, Halloween, with “Houdini 100: Magic and Mystery,” also held at the Detroit Historical Museum. Guests attending this event will have the opportunity to explore the institution’s “Streets of Old Detroit” exhibit and participate in carnival games. DHS historian Brendan Roney will give a presentation on Houdini’s Detroit appearances, his journey to international fame, and his final days.
The event will also feature live performances. Nathan “McScary” Wakefield, a variety performer and entertainment historian, is set to combine historical insights with demonstrations of sideshow arts, including sword swallowing. Additionally, magician and escape artist Anthony Grupido will channel Houdini, performing astonishing escapes and demonstrations of mentalism as a grand finale.
Rebecca Salminen Witt, chief strategy and marketing officer for the Detroit Historical Society, noted that the event would include “lots of delicious food and drink.” Common Pub, located behind the museum, will provide catering. Salminen Witt added that the DHS plans to showcase some of its “spookiest artifacts” from the collection, providing an opportunity for visitors to see items not typically on display. Curators and docents will be available to discuss this specially curated collection with attendees. She explained that the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death was the primary motivation for these events, as the Society aims to create new events and exhibitions that attract a diverse audience.
Houdini’s extraordinary life concluded in Detroit on October 31, 1926. Throughout that year, he was touring his one-man Broadway show, “Houdini.” In October, during a stop in Montreal, a student reportedly “sucker punched” the magician in the stomach before he was prepared for the blow, as detailed by Salminen Witt. Part of Houdini’s act involved demonstrating his strength by inviting audience members to punch him in the stomach. Salminen Witt explained that the student hit him before Houdini had the chance to brace himself, leading to a theory that the punch may have damaged his appendix, potentially causing it to burst. His health steadily declined following this incident.
As Houdini traveled to Detroit by train, his condition worsened. A doctor awaited his arrival at Michigan Central Station, but Houdini reportedly ignored the doctor’s advice to check into a hospital. He went on to perform his final show at the Garrick Theatre on October 24, 1926; the theater has since been demolished. The following day, he was admitted to Grace Hospital in Midtown, which is now the site of the Detroit Medical Center. Harry Houdini passed away from sepsis at 1:26 p.m. on October 31, 1926, at the age of 52.
Beyond the Houdini commemoration, the Detroit Historical Museum is also hosting its 14th annual “Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos” exhibition, which showcases offerings by local artists and community members. This annual display, designed to introduce visitors to ofrendas and Mexican Day of the Dead traditions, aims to foster community by allowing visitors to connect with reasons and methods of honoring the deceased. This exhibition is on display until November 1, with free admission for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
Separately, the museum is presenting a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration that transforms the Streets of Old Detroit into a setting inspired by a night circus. This event promises curious characters, unexpected surprises, and an enchanting atmosphere, featuring a Halloween scavenger hunt, crafts, coloring activities, and a dance party with music provided by the local band Fangs and Twang. Costumes are encouraged, and a sensory-friendly hour for this event is scheduled from 1-2 p.m.
