SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — If you’re looking for something to do over this holiday weekend, we have a hidden gem that will immerse you in the world of magic.
28/22 News stopped by a museum in Scranton that takes a look into the life of the master of illusion... Harry Houdini.
Pick a card, any card, such as the King of Clubs.
It’s no surprise that’s the card selected by Dorothy Dietrich. But it’s not in the pocket of just any vest. It’s the vest of the legendary escape artist and illusionist Harry Houdini.
"He could escape from anything, you bring handcuffs, you bring locks, chains, ropes. Lock him up, he could get out anything," stated Dorothy Dietrich.
Dietrich is the director of the Houdini Museum located in Scranton. One of the many cities in which he performed in the early 1900s.
Following in the footsteps of his talents, Dietrich made a name for herself as a famous stage magician and escapologist.
"For me, it was a wonderful answer to my life’s journey."
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In the video above, she’s making ducks appear out of thin air, but her talents marked her as the first woman to perform a straitjacket escape while suspended in the air from a burning rope.
"What do I love about magic?," we asked Dietrich. "I love everything about magic. Here’s what I love, when the ducks appear and the whole audience goes gasp I just laugh ‘Yeah! You’re welcome!’" explained Dietrich.
This magic act is part of the tour given at the museum putting thousands of Houdini’s artifacts and memorabilia on display, such as his autographed book.
"I want the world to see this, because this is what Houdini wants the world to see and it says, ‘my brain is the key that sets me free," added Dietrich.
You don’t need to levitate to find out this building is filled with unanswered questions.
There’s magic around every twist and turn here at the museum, but Dietrich says she hopes to inspire those visiting, to do what they love.
"Use your brain. Your family loves you, but you need to find out who you are and how to get there."
The Houdini Museum located on North Main Avenue in Scranton is open this holiday weekend. Head to their website to learn more about how you can get tickets.
