The Magic Lantern Society of the United States and Canada© was founded in 1977 by those who shared a common interest in the magic lantern and lantern slides, coupled with a desire to promote a greater appreciation of the subject in the United States.

Members meet regionally and country wide as well as individually presenting exhibits, lanterns shows and sharing information, not only in the United States, but abroad as well.

A newsletter and other publications are issued periodically to the members.

• To establish an organization of persons and entities interested in the collection, possession, conservation, restoration, and maintenance of magic lanterns, lantern slides and related material.

• To encourage member persons and entities to share their knowledge of the magic lantern, lantern slides and related material with any interested persons or entities.

• To coordinate research, catalogue material and disseminate all information about the history, uses, and development of the magic lantern and lantern slides.

• To promote exhibition and shows of magic lantern equipment, lantern slides and the known methods of use in as historically accurate a manner as possible.