The Benjamin E. Washburn papers contain few items of a personal nature. Consisting of reports, correspondence, scrapbooks, diaries, photographs, books and journals, the papers concern Washburn's employment with the Rockefeller Sanitary Commission (1913-1914) and the International Health Board/Division (1915-1939).

Important subjects in this collection include Rose's election to Peabody College Presidency, Peabody Fund Award, International Health Division, travels, and fishing.