Boston College Laughing Medusa records

Collection

Identifier: BC-1993-052

Scope and Contents

Publications and records from the production of Boston College’s annual literary journal showcasing the creative work of female-identifying and nonbinary artists within the campus community. Materials begin with the launch of The Laughing Medusa in 1992 with Volume 1, Number 1. The journal ceased publication between the late 1990s and mid-2000s, and the collection includes the relaunch, numbered as "Round 2, Volume 1" in 2006. Includes print issues for nearly all years, as well as digital issues beginning in fall of 2021. From 2016, the collection also includes the fall zines produced by the Medusa, each of which has a different adjective in its title. Also includes a small amount of promotional materials.

Dates

Creation: 1992 - 2023

Access Note

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

These materials are made available for use in research, teaching and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. The original authors may retain copyright to the materials.

Historical Note

The Laughing Medusa was founded in 1992 by the Department of Women’s Issues of the Undergraduate Government of Boston College as a women’s literary and arts journal, published biannually. The journal experienced a hiatus from 1998 to 2006 before resuming publication. After relaunching in 2006, the journal became a spring annual. It was produced by a council of fifteen Boston College students. Beginning in 2015, The Laughing Medusa staff began additionally publishing an annual fall zine, following a different theme each year. The zine was smaller and less polished than the journal, with a lower bar for entry. Also in 2015, the journal introduced multimedia elements, using a QR code linked to a spoken word version of a printed poem. In 2020 the journal redefined its contributors to include "women and nonbinary artists".

Full Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (4 containers)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

Organized in two series: I. Publications, and II. Records. Materials are chronological within series.

Provenance

Transferred by the staff of The Laughing Medusa between 1997 and 2026.

Existence and Location of Copies

Portions of this collection are available digitally. Links are included in the inventory.

Related Materials

Boston College publications, BC.2001.047, John J. Burns Library, Boston College.

Boston College student activities collection, BC.1996.103, John J. Burns Library, Boston College.