Labyrinths, 1967-2012
Dates
- Creation: 1967-2012
Scope and Contents
Research and faculty papers of Boston College French professor Rebecca Valette, including research and planning materials for Boston College labyrinths, collected early modern French music manuscripts, and event materials from the Boston College chapter of the French honor society Pi Delta Phi.
The materials on labyrinths focus on the creation of painted labyrinths at Boston College, sponsored by Pi Delta Phi, 1997-2001, as well as the permanent Memorial... Labyrinth, dedicated in 2003. They include articles about and photographs of other labyrinths in the United States and Europe, with particular focus on the spiritual aspects of labyrinths, and also photographs, plans, and the proposal for the Memorial Labyrinth at Boston College.
The music manuscripts consist of five vellum leaves, likely from five different graduals dating from the late 16th century to the late 17th century. The manuscripts are probably of French origin, with illuminated capitals.
The Pi Delta Phi materials include photographs and programs from initiation ceremonies and collaborative publication planning materials.
Creator
- From the Collection: Valette, Rebecca M. (1938) (Person)
Restrictions on Access
Collection is open for research. University records dating after 1968 are closed per university policy. Access with permission of the office.
Historical note: Boston College Memorial Labyrinth
On September 11, 2003, a memorial labyrinth was dedicated to the twenty-two Boston College alumni lost in the 9/11 tragedy. The labyrinth is outlined with stone pavers and located just outside John J. Burns Library. The labyrinth at Boston College is a copy of the 13th-century labyrinth laid in stone on the floor of the nave of Chartres Cathedral. It is a unicursal labyrinth, with a single path to the center and out again. Labyrinths were especially... common in Europe in the Middle Ages, and walking them was part of popular and religious culture. Labyrinths in sacred spaces represent the intersection of the human and the divine.
Source:
"About the Memorial Labyrinth," Boston College. https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/memorial-labyrinth/about.html. Accessed February 20, 2025.
Extent
2 Linear Feet (2 containers)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the John J. Burns Library Repository
John J. Burns Library
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill MA 02467 USA
617-552-4861
burns@bc.libanswers.com