Essex County - Montclair - "Victorian Magic"

Monday, February 18 – Essex County THE VICTORIAN SOCIETY IN AMERICA, NORTHERN NEW JERSEY CHAPTER                    (victoriansannj.org) PRESENTS "Victorian Magic" 7:30 pm at the Montclair Women’s Club, 82 Union St., Montclair, NJ Admission: $5 non-members, Free for members.      Magic tricks have always held an irresistible mystery for most people. It was the rich history of invention and magic trick innovation in the 19th century, known as the “Golden Age of Magic,” that set the groundwork for Houdini and the great magicians of today. Magician James McParland will give a presentation about the fascinating people and events in Victorian times that changed magic from dubious street art to a respectable form of entertainment suitable for drawing rooms and theatres.     McParland’s talk will cover a range of colorful characters, such as a magician who was fatally injured in his act and the magician who invented the pay toilet. He will also explain how inventions in magic are linked to some modern technology, such as at Disney’s Haunted Mansion and in the “Heads Up” displays in cars. The presentation will include a few demonstrations of magic, and perhaps a secret or two will be revealed.     James McParland has been interested in magic since he received a magic set as a child. He has performed semi-professionally for over 25 years, and he is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He is also a recognized member of the “Order of Merlin.” McParland has been a resident of Glen Ridge for 19 years.     The Victorian Society of America was founded to protect and preserve -- as well as to promote understanding, education and enjoyment of – our 19th Century heritage. The Northern New Jersey Chapter of the VSA holds a meeting with a presentation by a guest speaker each month. Meetings are held at the Montclair Women’s Club at 82 Union Street in Montclair. Admission is $5 for non-members. Refreshments are served. For further information, visit the website victoriansannj.org.