Lunch and Learn: Meet Albert Walker from Glastonbury, the Magician Who Liked Large Noses

Please join us for a virtual presentation by Robert Olson for a discussion of the life and magic of Albert Walker.   Walker worked a variety of jobs throughout his lifetime to support himself.  He made cigars, played the fiddle, repaired clocks, made guns, kept bees, farmed for his father, and worked in different factories.  Walker kept details of all of this in his 32 pocket diaries.  Robert Olson spent six months, reading and transcribing the diaries, which are housed at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History.  They not only detailed much of his work but also his family life, and what he did for fun.  He loved performing, especially as a magician.

Reading the diaries and letters in this amazing collection allowed Olson to get to know Albert Walker, as a magician, a family man, and a highly skilled metal worker.  Walker is gone, but these diaries are almost like having him whisper in your ear. “Here I am, please get to know me!”

This virtual program is free. To secure a spot, register now. You will receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link attached, and we will send you a reminder on the day of the program.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Busa, Public Programs and Special Events Coordinator, at jennifer_busa@chs.org.

About the Speaker

Robert Olson is an historian, with a focus on the performing arts.  He worked at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts for over 25 years as the Director of Crafts and Special Events.  His work in researching magic as a performing art enabled him to recreate the magic of Richard Potter, the first American to be a successful magician in the early 1800s.  His recreated shows have been performed at historical societies and museums throughout the United States, including Canada and Great Britain.

Image: Robert Olson in costume, as magician Richard Potter. Courtesy of Robert Olson

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