Houdini Séance in 1936. Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Harry Houdini died at Grace Hospital in Detroit on Halloween 1926 from complications of acute appendicitis. He had told his wife, Bessie Houdini —and close friend, confidant, and mentalist Joe Dunninger — that if he died, he would make every effort to communicate with the living and established a secret code to guarantee proof if indeed he was successful. Every year since his death, Houdini séances have been held to see if Houdini could come “across the veil” and prove the spiritual afterlife existed.
After 10 years, Bess Houdini declared her séance efforts over; however, Houdini’s brother Hardeen took up the torch and continued the tradition for many more years. There was never a sign from Houdini. When Hardeen passed away, his protégé and magic collector, Sidney Radner, was directed to continue the séance and did so every year until his death in 2011 at the age of 91.
For many years prior to his death, Sidney was accompanied by his good friend, Tom Boldt, in this endeavor. Now Tom, along with Sid’s son, Bill Radner, continues the tradition. They have selected a small group of Houdini experts and enthusiasts to be part of the “Inner Circle” who sit at the séance table each year. In the past, these séances have been small and private, however, as the interest in Houdini has only grown over time, the Official Houdini Séance was opened to the public in 2012.
This year, we are excited to announce the attendance of two Houdini family members at our event. Debbie Hardeen-Bloom, Houdini’s grand-niece, and Jeff Blood, Houdini’s grand-nephew, will be part of the “Inner Circle.”
Will the spirit of Houdini return?