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Underground Newspaper Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-514-BC

Scope and Content

The Astral Projection, an Albuquerque underground newspaper, began publishing in 1968. The paper belonged to the Underground Press Syndicate. As a member, they participated in exchanges with other alternative presses, receiving free copies of other underground newspapers in exchange for their own. The exchange copies received comprise the bulk of this collection and represents only papers published outside New Mexico. These are not complete series of underground newspapers, but are samples of over 300 titles published between 1967-1975. Most of them represent leftist social and political thought. Also included are a few publications from various political and religious organizations.

An addition to this collection was processed in October 2001. This addition consists of titles which are new to the collection as well as added issues of titles already in the collection. The newspapers came from various sources. Some of the titles were published as late as 1993.

Dates

  • 1967-1993

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Historical Information

Underground newspapers proliferated during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The term "underground" refers to publications that advocated social and political views outside of the mainstream. These were not clandestine operations, but presented perspectives that differed considerably from establishment publications. In 1967, the Underground Press Syndicate was organized with the stated goal of sharing information about what they called the collapse of Western civilization. They promoted alternative cultures and life-styles as means of adjusting to the fall of the establishment. It became clear by the mid-1970s that Western civilization was not about to undergo a major upheaval. A few of the underground newspapers changed their focus and became establishment organs. By doing so, they reflected growing mainstream acceptance of such counterculture principles as public discussion of sexuality and environmental awareness.

Extent

93 boxes (35.2 cu. ft.)

Related Archival Material

Sun Publishing Company records Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

Relevant Secondary Sources

  • Danky, James P. Undergrounds: A Union List of Alternative Periodicals,Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1974.

Processing Information

Addition to collection, boxes 80-92, processed October 2001. Scattered issues added to existing titles and Box 93 added, March 2007.
Title
Finding Aid of the Underground Newspaper Collection, 1967-1993
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by Charles Sandia. Addition processed by M. LaCroix
Date
©2007
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 514 BC::Underground Newspaper Collection)//EN" "nmu1mss514bc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451