Robert Olson is alive and well in the 21st century, but his livelihood is a thing of the past. As a re-enactor of 1800s magician Richard Potter, Olson (above) plays tricks with cards and coins, sings funny songs, presents shadow puppet plays, practices ventriloquism, and delivers comic dissertations on noses. His career choice is a lifelong passion that started at age 8 when he got a Mysto Magic Set for Christmas. That led to reading about the history of magic and a strong association with Potter, whom Olson calls the first truly successful American magician. Olson performs "19th-Century Magic" Saturday at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. On Friday in ongoing workshops from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord helps participants document personal history in "Making Books as a Family." A visit to the museum also includes the special exhibition "Building Thoreau's Boat," featuring a reconstruction of a vessel built by Henry Thoreau and his brother John. Museum hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Activities free with admission of $10, $8 seniors and students, $5 ages 6-18, free under 6. Concord Museum, Lexington Road and Cambridge Turnpike, Concord. 978-369-9763. concordmuseum.org
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