FORT MITCHELL, Ky. — Television ventriloquist and author April Brucker has donated more than $1,000 worth of copies of her new book, “250 Years of American Ventriloquism – How Ventriloquism Influenced American Culture,” to the Vent Haven Museum, allowing the nonprofit museum to retain 100 percent of the proceeds from book sales during the 50th annual ConVENTion, July 15–18, in Fort Mitchell.
The donation benefits the Vent Haven Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the art and history of ventriloquism. The museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, hosts ConVENTion each summer, attracting professional and amateur ventriloquists from around the world for four days of performances, lectures, competitions, and fellowship.
Brucker’s commemorative volume celebrates America’s 250th anniversary by chronicling the entertainers who transformed ventriloquism from a stage novelty into a uniquely American form of popular entertainment. The nearly 200-page book contains more than 1,000 historical entries documenting performers, television programs, milestones, and cultural moments spanning two and a half centuries.
“I’m honored to support the Vent Haven Museum and its mission of preserving the history of ventriloquism,” said Brucker. “While I’m disappointed that my television production schedule will prevent me from attending this year’s ConVENTion, I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way. This museum safeguards the legacy of the performers who inspired generations of entertainers, including me. By donating these books, I hope to help the museum raise funds while encouraging young ventriloquists to discover the legendary performers who made our art form part of American culture.”
Brucker traces her own career to childhood inspiration from television. Watching a program about legendary ventriloquist Edgar Bergen first sparked her interest in the art. She also credits television star Paul Winchell’s classic instructional book, Ventriloquism for Fun and Profit, with giving her the confidence and practical guidance to pursue ventriloquism professionally.
“Edgar Bergen showed me what was possible, and Paul Winchell taught me how to begin,” Brucker said. “Every aspiring ventriloquist should know the pioneers who built this art form. I hope this book inspires a new generation to appreciate the remarkable performers whose influence extends far beyond the stage.”
Known for television appearances on “Entertainment Tonight,” “Inside Edition,” “Judge Jerry,” TLC’s “My Strange Addiction,” the HISTORY Channel’s “Secret Restoration,” ABC’s “What Would You Do?,” and numerous national media outlets, Brucker has spent her career combining comedy, music and ventriloquism while promoting the history of the profession.
Founded in 1973, the Vent Haven Museum houses hundreds of historic ventriloquist figures, memorabilia, photographs, and archives documenting the evolution of ventriloquism from vaudeville through television and today’s live performance scene. Its annual ConVENTion has become the world’s premier gathering for the ventriloquist community.
Copies of “250 Years of American Ventriloquism – How Ventriloquism Influenced American Culture” will be available throughout the July 15–18 ConVENTion, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Vent Haven Museum’s preservation and educational programs.
About April Brucker
April Brucker is a Las Vegas-based ventriloquist, comedian, recording artist, television personality, and author. Her new book, “250 Years of American Ventriloquism – How Ventriloquism Influenced American Culture,” commemorates America’s 250th anniversary by documenting the entertainers and innovations that shaped ventriloquism’s enduring influence on American popular culture. More information at www.AprilBrucker.TV.
