Dateline: September 26, 2026 - New London, Connecticut

A Celebration of “Movers and Shakers” in the Magic Community Honored in New London, Connecticut

 On September 26, 2026, members of the international magic community gathered at the historic Garde Arts Center in New London, Connecticut, for the annual Milbourne Christopher Foundation Awards. It was an evening that celebrated far more than individual achievement. The ceremony honored the many different people whose talent, creativity, scholarship, and dedication continue to move the art of magic forward.

The 2026 ceremony began at 5:00 p.m., with David E. Haversat, chairman of the Foundation, and Thomas A. Ewing, chair of the judging panel, presenting the honors. Each recipient received a commemorative plaque, a handcrafted wand, and a special coin. These are beautiful physical reminders of an award whose real value comes from the history and distinguished company attached to it. This year’s recipients represented several generations and almost every corner of the magical arts.

Scott Wells was among those honored. He received the Ambassador of Magic Award. Through The Magic Word podcast, Scott has spent years documenting conventions, interviewing performers, preserving stories, and connecting magicians around the world. With nearly one thousand episodes, his work demonstrates that an ambassador is not simply someone who travels; it is someone who listens, shares, encourages, and helps a community understand itself.