The Houdini Foundation - Foundation Conversations

October 31, 2025, marks the 99th anniversary of famous escape artist Harry Houdini's death. On November 6, 1923, less than three years before he died, Houdini made his one and only appearance at Galveston’s Grand Opera House. But Houdini had been dreaming of coming to Galveston for years. His papers in the Library of Congress include an unmailed postcard telling his mother that he was running away from home to go to Galveston for a year. At the time, Ehrich Weisz (his birth name) was only twelve years old. When Houdini finally got to Galveston 37 years later, he was in the midst of a crusade against the evil side of Spiritualism. As part of his later tours, Houdini delivered lectures with projected slides explaining how some unscrupulous mediums defrauded people. In this unique program, Ed Cotham will explore Houdini’s life and his Texas connections. As part of the program, he will read from the script of one of Houdini’s Spiritualism lectures while showing pictures of Houdini’s original slides.

You are welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy. Lunch will not be provided.

Virtual tickets are also available for guests who would like to view the livestream. A link will be sent prior to the event with instructions on viewing. You are welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy. Lunch will not be provided.

Current GHF member tickets are free for in-person or livestream attendance as part of their #GalvestonHistory+ account. Access will start at 11:15 a.m. on the day of the presentation.

ABOUT EDWARD T. COTHAM, JR

Edward T. Cotham, Jr. is a historian specializing in Galveston and Texas military history. The author of seven scholarly history books, Ed is also a performing magician. He is a member of many prominent magic organizations, including the Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.

ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION

Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last seventy years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, museum development, and heritage tourism. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life, and continues to lead on local, state, and national levels with research-driven programs that build awareness of preservation’s role in cultural identity and stewardship across generations.

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