Committee approves state historic marker text for Harry Houdini at Houdini Plaza, adds birth/death years and mention of wife

The committee voted unanimously to approve the March 16 draft of the proposed state historic marker honoring Harry Houdini at Houdini Plaza, with amendments to add Houdini's birth and death years and to note that "he and his wife, Bess, performed" at the Appleton Opera House.

Jennifer Stefani, executive director of Appleton Downtown Incorporated and Creative Downtown Appleton Inc., told the committee the plaque is part of a year of centennial events and asked the body to authorize the version that would then go through the state review. "We have some exciting things coming up," Stefani said, and she asked the committee to allow staff and local historians to make final edits to fit space constraints and state requirements.

Committee members pressed for precision in the marker's text. One member asked whether the plaque would include Houdini's birth and death years, and Stefani said those dates could be added at the top of the marker. Another participant urged mentioning Bess, Houdini's wife and frequent performance partner; the committee agreed to add "he and his wife, Bess," to the third paragraph. A separate participant warned the committee that some local stories — for example, that Appleton "inspired" Houdini to become a magician — are anecdotal and may not be provable. "The real question is, is that the truth?" the participant said, urging the committee and the historical society to check sources.

The committee's approval is a procedural step: presenters will submit the proposed marker and accompanying documentation to the Wisconsin Historical Society, which conducts a formal review to confirm factual claims and sources. Presenters noted that the society's review could require edits and might affect the project's timetable; the committee endorsed moving the text forward while allowing presenters to refine wording.

The motion to approve the March 16 language, amended to add the birth/death years and the reference to Bess and to convert the word "four" to the numeral "4," passed by voice vote with the committee recorded as unanimously in favor. The presenters said they will work with staff and the state historical society on the final application.