This collection consists primarily of letters from Edward Jackson Bartlett to his parents detailing his time at Bowdoin College, Bard College, and his service during World War II. It also contains report cards from the Browne and Nicholas School, Governor Dummer Academy, and Bowdoin College. Photographs, postcards describing his travels, a poetry book, and a journal are also present in the collection.

Jacob "Jake" Grossberg (1932-2014) taught sculpture at Bard College from 1969 until he retired in 1996. He was also instrumental in developing and starting Bard’s MFA program and was named director of the program in 1981.