Welcome

Who We Are

We are a membership organization of about 150 people from the United States, Canada, and the rest of the world. We are interested in magic-lanterns – the early projectors that gave delight to millions and eventually led to the movies. Here you'll find new friends who are fascinated by the machines themselves, others interested in the art of the slides, others interested in magic-lantern showmanship, and others in the place of the lantern in the broader culture.

You will meet collectors who have created huge private museums, and those who treasure a single lantern; professional magic-lantern showmen who perform in the nation's largest modern theaters, and amateurs who perform to amuse their friends; academics who teach in major universities, and private individuals who dig for lantern history in their local libraries; lantern "purists," and those interested in shadow puppets, optical toys, and related maters.

We see this range of interests and knowledge as one of our great strengths. We are a friendly group, and make sure that all who join are welcomed, so that we can all continue to learn about this fascinating field.