Every two years, the New England Magic Collectors association honors those who “display long-standing and exemplary accomplishments in the disciplines of magic collecting and magic history” with the Founders Award. This year, NEMCA has honored The American Museum of Magic in Marshall, Michigan.

The plaque awarded to the American Museum of Magic reads:

For 40 years, from April 1, 1978, the date Robert and Elaine Lund opened their beloved American Museum of Magic, the museum has been the home of the largest publicly displayed, private collection of conjuring artifacts, posters, books and memorabilia in the world.celebrating the lives of magicians and their contributions to the art of magic.

For four decades, the American Museum of Magic has collected and preserved rare and valuable treasures from magic’s storied past, becoming an irreplaceable research center for collectors and historians, as well as a renowned public attraction 

The museum officially opened in 1978, mostly as a way for Bob and Elaine Lund to store and showcase their ever-increasing magic collection. After Bob’s death in 1995, Elaine formed a non-profit organization called the American Museum of Magic, Inc. in order to preserve the museum’s legacy after she had passed. Now, the collection of historical magic ephemera is overseen by a board of directors, and continues to honor the Lund’s legacy to this day. 

For more information on the history of the museum and the award they received, visit the Founders Award page at nemca.com/wp/2017-founders-award. For admission and museum scheduling, visit the official page for the American Museum of Magic.