The William J. Pearce papers consist of materials related to Pearce's career in educational television. The papers, which date from the 1950s to the 1990s, also include Pearce's military service, his involvement with the Philosophers' Club, his long history in public television, and his passion for Native American culture, which can be seen in his work with the Friends of Ganondagan and the Native American Public Telecommunications. Pearce is the recipient of two Peabody Awards.