Preserving SF Fandom History

At the 2025 Worldcon held in Seattle, FANAC.org, a science fiction fandom history archive project, has attracted attention by conducting a campaign to collect historic Worldcon badges. This project was initiated to preserve fandom history by gathering participation badges from Worldcons held over the past several decades.

Worldcon is the world's largest SF fan convention, where fans from around the globe gather annually for the Hugo Awards ceremony and various programs. The badges issued to participants are precious records that contain not just entry credentials but also that year's convention identity and design philosophy.

Voluntary Fan Participation

Edie Stern and Joe Siclari, who operate FANAC.org, requested donations of Worldcon badges from specific years a month ago, and many fans responded. Notably, Lisa Padol and Joshua Kronengold, well-known figures in the SF community, willingly shared badges they had preserved.

Chris Barkley emphasized the significance of this donation campaign in the Fanzine Lounge Report, stating, "Most objects in history are ephemeral. This is especially true for convention memorabilia produced by small fan gatherings."

The Value of Analog Records in the Digital Age

Worldcon badges are produced with unique designs reflecting the characteristics of each year and host location. These physical records are important materials showing the changes and development process of SF fandom culture.

FANAC.org continues to request donations from fans who possess historically valuable fandom materials. Interested fans can contact Stern and Siclari through the FANAC.org website.

This project is being recognized as an example demonstrating that SF fandom is acknowledged as cultural heritage beyond just a hobby activity.