By: Shannon Hegy

HOLYOKE, Mass. (abc40) -- From a very young age Sidney Radner has had an obsession with magic and Harry Houdini.

"I first went to one of the policemen that I knew that lived near me and I said 'put me in handcuffs,'" said Radner, "and he did and I got out and he said 'that's pretty good!'"

Houdini died before Radner ever got the chance to meet him or see him perform, but he did become the protege to Houdini's brother Hardeen after meeting him at a magic convention in Springfield when he was a teenager.

"My enthusiasm for his brother and escape work and magic impressed him and we became good friends," said Radner.

Hardeen isn't Radner's only connection to Houdini.  He was born and raised in the city that he says started Houdini's career.

"Houdini's connection to Holyoke is very interesting because it was in Holyoke that he first came up with the idea of walking into a police station and challenging them or saying that he could get out of handcuffs or any restraint they could put on," said Radner.

His knowledge and connection to the magician spurred an idea from long time friend and college student Elizabeth Dobrska.

"When I explained to him how great this could be for the city, how this could be a way for him to give back to the city and for his legacy to live on and for us to work together as a team I think he really opened up to the idea," said Dobrska.

Radner is the greatest collector of Houdini memorabilia in the world and with the help of The Gasoline Alley Foundation, he can now share that collection with the rest of the city.

"Most people know the name Houdini and I think it's a great opportunity for Holyoke and a great way for us to contribute to the city," said Dobrska.

The Sid Radner Museum of Houdini and Holyoke will be located on North High Street.  They expect to open it sometime next year.