The Magic Lantern: The Grandfather of Cinema

Before film, there was the magic lantern! Used in intimate parlors as a children’s toy as well as in lecture halls and Vaudeville theaters, the spectral, glowing images of the lantern slide could transport viewers to distant lands, conjure ghosts and spirits, or simply amuse with silly jokes.

Expert Joel Schlemowitz will be stationed at the Museum to demonstrate various techniques, such as dissolving views, double-pane moving “slip slides,” and hand-cranked gear-work moving lantern slides. Drop by any time from 5–8 pm to examine the projection equipment and painted glass slides used by Victorian lanternists to produce apparitions and illustrate stories visually for edification and entertainment.

Joel Schlemowitz is an antique collector, artist, and filmmaker.

Program is free after 6 pm with Pay-as-you-wish Friday Night











When: Fri., Aug. 24, 2018 at 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: New-York Historical Society
170 Central Park West
212-873-3400
Price: Free with pay-as-you-wish Friday Night
Buy tickets/get more info now
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Before film, there was the magic lantern! Used in intimate parlors as a children’s toy as well as in lecture halls and Vaudeville theaters, the spectral, glowing images of the lantern slide could transport viewers to distant lands, conjure ghosts and spirits, or simply amuse with silly jokes.

Expert Joel Schlemowitz will be stationed at the Museum to demonstrate various techniques, such as dissolving views, double-pane moving “slip slides,” and hand-cranked gear-work moving lantern slides. Drop by any time from 5–8 pm to examine the projection equipment and painted glass slides used by Victorian lanternists to produce apparitions and illustrate stories visually for edification and entertainment.

Joel Schlemowitz is an antique collector, artist, and filmmaker.

Program is free after 6 pm with Pay-as-you-wish Friday Night

Buy tickets/get more info now