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Magic Lantern History & Resources ▼
About the Society ▼
Conventions ▼
The Magic Lantern Society of the US and Canada (est. 1979) is a group that collects, preserves, performs, and shares information on the many devices that were used to entertain and educate audiences before the beginning of cinema.
Our community enjoys biennial conventions, monthly and quarterly publications, and cameraderie dedicated to the love of magic lanterns and other early optical devices and screen-based arts. We are performers, collectors, scholars, enthusiasts, and more.
Find out more about how to get involved, join the society, and submit to our publications, including The Magic Lantern Gazette.
The origins of the magic lantern harken back to the 17th century, when Christiaan Huygens created a projection device that consisted of lenses, hand-painted slides and a source of illumination. Magic lanterns were employed for a wide variety of purposes, including entertainment, educational, and scientific purposes.
By the 19th century, the magic lantern was used in theaters, churches, fraternal lodges, and at home by adults and children. Magic lantern shows often combined projected images with live narration and live music. In 1895 there were between 30,000 and 60,000 lantern showmen in the United States, giving between 75,000 and 150,000 performances a year.
join our
community
Become a member to experience everything our community has to offer.
Join online social media conversations in our Facebook Group and Instagram Page, open to all.
publications
& conventions
Members enjoy our monthly e-publication and quarterly print journal. Submissions are welcome.
Join us at our biennial convention.
get in Touch
THe Society
The Magic Lantern Society of the United States and Canada is a 100% volunteer organization incorporated as a State Non-Profit Corporation and has been determined to be a tax exempt organization under Federal 501(c)(3).