Latest Posts

Book Release: Richard Potter – America’s First Black Celebrity

Apart from a handful of exotic–and almost completely unreliable–tales surrounding his life, Richard Potter is almost unknown today. Two hundred years ago, however, he was the most popular entertainer in America–the first showman, in fact, to win truly nationwide fame. Working as a magician and ventriloquist, he personified for an entire generation what a popular performer was and made an invaluable contribution to establishing popular entertainment as a major part of American life. His story is all the more remarkable in that Richard Potter was also a black man.

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Richard Potter on Absolutely Magic

The newly released book, Richard Potter, America’s First Black Celebrity, will certainly spark new interest in the first American-born magician and ventriloquist.  Details about Potter’s life and performance are scarce but tantalizing.  NEMCA member and Yankee Magic Editor Editor, Andrew Pinard, has assembled details on Potter’s life and career, as well as pictures of the Potter’s final resting place. 

Read more on Absolutely Magic.

 

A Visit to Ray Goulet’s Mini Museum of Magic

For many years, Ray Goulet provided a complimentary DVD about his New England Mini-Museum of Magic.  Ray and Ann have now shared this video tour with visitors to the NEMCA site.  Ray shows rare items from his collection, demonstrates the Card Spider, and discusses how he started collecting.

Enjoy visiting with Ray Goulet at the New England Mini-Museum of Magic.

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