The collection consists of papers of Samuel Howard Archer from ca. 1898-1990. The papers include some personal correspondence (1923-1937) including letters of recommendation (1898-1902), newspaper clippings, tributes, and letters of condolence from academic institutions throughout the South regarding Archer's death. Other materials relating to Archer include records documenting his involvement in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Friendship Baptist Church (Atlanta, Ga.); awards and certificates; newspaper clippings (ca. 1964) relating to race relations in Nashville (Tenn.); and publications of various colleges particularly Morehouse College (1923-1983, with gaps), Spelman College (1939-1944, with gaps), and Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State College (1931-1935). The collection also contains some material relating to Archer's wife Jessie Thelma Beasley Archer and his sons Samuel Howard Archer, Jr. and Nelson T. Archer.