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URCON collection

 Collection
Identifier: UA346

Biographical/Historical note

URCON was launched in 1979 as the area's first major science fiction convention. Organized by University of Rochester undergraduates, URCON featured film screenings, art shows and auctions, science lectures, costume contests, and talks from popular writers and illustrators. From 1980 to 1982, prestigious guests included Frederick Pohl, George Zebrowski, L. Sprague de Camp, Catherine Crook de Camp, Isaac Asimov, Mike Jittlov, Joan D. Vinge, Hal Clement, and Phil Foglio. URCON steadily grew to about 1,100 attendees in 1982.

Today the event is organized by a mixed University-community group called the Simulation Gaming Association. Renamed SIMCON in the late 1980s, it has evolved into a gaming convention that includes anime screenings, discussion panels, a Merchant's Bazaar, and a charity auction.

Scope and Contents note

The URCON Collection contains t-shirts, posters, nametags, and program books related to URCON from 1980 to 1982, as well as a nametag from SIMCON in 1988.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: 1980-2024

Language of Materials

English

Extent

0.28 box(es) (2 containers)

Restrictions on Access

For access to this collection, please contact the University of Rochester Archives (archives@library.rochester.edu) at least two business days prior to your planned visit.

Please note: Some materials may be restricted or require permission for use.

Restrictions on Use

To request reproductions or permission to publish materials from the collection, please contact the University of Rochester Archives (archives@library.rochester.edu). Researchers may be responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

The collection was donated on September 2, 2009 by Terry Abrams.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], URCON Collection, UA346, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Title
URCON collection
Author
Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
Date
undated
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Library Details

Part of the University of Rochester Archives Library

Contact:
Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation
River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd.
Rochester New York 14627-0055 USA