Houdini House

Shortly before his death in 1926, Harry Houdini and wife Bess agreed to attempt communication from beyond the grave. The two shared a secret code based on the name of their favorite song, and if that code was produced at a séance, it would confirm the existence of an afterlife.

​On January, 28, 1929, Bess hosted medium Arthur Ford at her Inwood residence to establish contact with the late magician. Through a spirit guide named “Fletcher,” Houdini manifested and shared the secret code: ROSABELLE.

​Reporters from United Press were also present and had “no doubt communication has been established between a living person and one dead”. Bess further confirmed “that the message in its entirety was the correct message prearranged between Mr. Houdini and myself”.

The home is now a private residence and serves as a reminder for Houdini’s final performance.

​Address: 67 Payson Avenue. New York, NY.
Source: Reports Message of Houdini Decoded, New York Times, (1929). Houdini’s Widow Awaits 2 More Spirit Reports, The Evening News, (1929).