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This collection consists of Edward Steidtmann's diary that he kept during his trip to Alaska in the summer and fall of 1918. Daily entries give a detailed account of the journey, and a few entries are dated before and after the trip.

The collection consists of the personal papers of George L. Barton, including:

• Diaries for the period 1909 to 1936
• One volume of lecture notes (1933-1935) used for a history course at VMI
• A photograph album (1917-1927) containing images of cadet life, VMI buildings, and family members

This collection contains individual biographical files for all 19th and early 20th century cadets; and historical faculty/staff, Board of Visitors members, and other people associated with VMI history.

The James W. Massie papers consist of the personal papers (40 items) of Massie, including:

• Incoming correspondence (1855-1857)
• Civil War papers, primarily incoming letters, orders, and commissions (1861-1863)
• Post-War papers, including letters written by Massie's wife, Sophonisba Breckinridge McDowell (Massie), and documents related to their son, James McDowell Massie
• Confederate bonds
• Envelopes

The John H. C. Mann papers consist of the person papers of Mann, including:

• Two volumes of testimonial letters from Mann's former students at VMI, presented to him when he retired from the Engineering Department in 1967
• VMI Board of Visitors resolution
• Three oversized items, including Mann's diploma from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The John T. L. Preston papers consist of the personal papers of Preston, including:

• A farm account book (1834-1887)
• Bills
• Deeds
• Memoranda
• Receipts
• Correspondence
• A photocopy and transcription of Preston's Civil War journal ("Jottings"), which dates from his military service at Craney Island, Virginia from late July to October 1861. The original journal is held by the Library of Congress.
• Preston's United States passport (May 1851)
• Franklin Society membership certificate (1851)
• A typescript "brief historical sketch" of VMI written as a speech for the Institute's semi-centennial celebration in 1889 (the typescript contains handwritten corrections in ink; Preston's son delivered the address on behalf of his father).

This collection consists of the papers of Lloyd J. Davidson, including:

• Correspondence
• Examination questions and assignment sheets for his English classes at VMI
• Copies of speeches presented to the Lexington (Virginia) Fortnightly Club
• Biographical information

The Marshall McDonald papers (approximately 90 items) include primarily correspondence (1861-1892), notes, scientific reports, and documents. Among the correspondents are several VMI alumni and faculty members and Civil War officers, including:

• Scott Shipp
• Francis H. Smith
• Edward Cunningham
• Wilfred E. Cutshaw
• John W. Lyell
• James H. Morrison
• Mark B. Hardin
• Daniel W. Flowerree
• General Dabney H. Maury
• Hunter McGuire

The Matthew Fontaine Maury papers consist primarily of letters written by Maury to various members of his family, including daughter Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) (1837-1900), son-in-law Spotswood Wellford Corbin (1835-1897), and wife Ann Hull Maury (Herndon) (1811-1901). Other correspondents include Maximilian (1832-1867), Emperor of Mexico, and Empress Carlotta.