The 35 boxes in this series cover the years 1898-1961. The Messrs. Rockefeller, Sr. and Jr., Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Abby Rockefeller Mauze, the five brothers, and their spouses are all represented in this series. Mr. Rockefeller, Jr., John D. 3rd, and Laurance S. Rockefeller are have the most connection to thse records.

The years represented in these files saw an increasing emphasis on environmental concerns in the United States – water pollution, air pollution, the disposal of solid waste, recycling, clean energy, and the need to consciously plan for beauty in the environment – areas in which Laurance Rockefeller was intensely interested. Two of the series in this collection – Citizens Advisory Committee on Environmental Quality (CACEQ) and Utilities – deal extensively with these concerns. Additionally, the Fred Smith series contains numerous publications, reports, and speeches on environmental issues either written or delivered by Fred Smith.

The 1987-1991 general files chronicle management of the philanthropic affairs of the third generation of the Rockefeller family primarily David Rockefeller and Laurance S. Rockefeller.

The general files chronicle management of the philanthropic affairs of the third generation of the Rockefeller family primarily Abby Rockefeller Mauze, John D. Rockefeller 3rd, Nelson A. Rockefeller, Laurance S. Rockefeller, Winthrop Rockefeller, and David Rockefeller.

Index card files describing the contents of the Rockefeller Family & Associates General Files, 1962-1991 (Record Groups 3, 33, 37 and 39) as well as the David Rockefeller General Files, 1992-1996 and the Laurance S. Rockefeller General Files, 1992-1996.

The 1977-1981 general files chronicle management of the philanthropic affairs of the third generation of the Rockefeller family primarily David Rockefeller and Laurance S. Rockefeller with limited documentation of the actions of John D. Rockefeller 3rd and Nelson A. Rockefeller.

The 1982-1986 general files chronicle management of the philanthropic affairs of the third generation of the Rockefeller family primarily David Rockefeller and Laurance S. Rockefeller.

The Public Relations Department papers document the general activities and public opinion of the Rockefeller family most notably during the years 1946-1961.

The Business Interest series documents the Rockefeller Family's investments and financial involvement in a variety of industries, companies, and geographic areas, including banks, oil, iron mining, timber, railroads, Rockefeller Center, and South America.

Elizabeth J. McCormack served as an associate for John D. Rockefeller 3rd and Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller, and she later served as an associate for Laurance S. Rockefeller. The philanthropic interests of all three Rockefeller family members are represented in this small collection, including documentation of activities related to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the Population Council, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Commission on Private Philanthropy and Public Needs (The Filer Commission), the Synergos Institute, and Spelman College. Files often include Board and Committee records, correspondence, and reports.