Maroon Photograph Collection: Weddstock/Mock Weddings

Picture of Ceremony, BGLAD’s Weddstock ‘95, Ida Noyes Library, Alan Amberg Presides. Photo Credit: Chris Dahlen, 5/18/1995

The SCRC recently acquired the photo archives from the Chicago Maroon, an independent student newspaper at the University of Chicago that has been published since 1892.

The collection consists of photographs dating as far back as the 1960s and includes pictures of members of the University community, campus activities, and social events. There is also a vivid record of student and community activism, documenting demonstrations for causes as diverse as support for the Chicago Seven (1967-1970), solidarity after the Kent State shootings (1970), anti-nuclear research on campus (1977-1994), sexual harassment awareness and education (1991), and animal rights (1993).

Among this collection of University demonstrations and protests are pictures from Weddstock, an event advocating gay marriage held annually from 1992 to 1995. During Weddstock, gay and lesbian students – as well as straight students supporting the cause – participated in mock marriage ceremonies conducted in the Ida Noyes Library on campus and celebrated their vows on the University quad.