Society of American Magicians

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The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) is the oldest fraternal magic organization in the world. Its purpose is "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." To promote these endeavors the S.A.M. presents awards and fellowships in recognition of outstanding achievement in the Art of Magic.

Prominent members of the S.A.M. include David Copperfield, Lance Burton, Siegfried & Roy, and Howard Thurston.

Membership in the S.A.M. is open to professional magicians, amateur magicians, youth magicians, collectors and historians, as well as inventors, manufacturers, and dealers to the trade. The S.A.M. has 7,000 members worldwide.

[edit] History

Founded on May 10, 1902 in the back room of Martinka's magic shop in New York, the Society expanded under the leadership of Harry Houdini during his term as National President from 1917-1926. It now numbers 250 assemblies throughout the world.