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The collection consists of materials preserved by former WLU student Ben Sherman (Class of 1975) related to his student years with a focus on the 1972 Washington and Lee University Mock Democratic Convention. Ben Sherman participated in the 1972 Mock Convention as the floor leader for candidate Hubert Humphrey. Items include an autographed copy of Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter' s May 5, 1972 Mock Convention keynote address, a copy of Sherman's typescript nomination remarks for candidate Hubert Humphrey, two color Hubert Humphrey political posters, and a letter written to Sherman and classmate Bob Wycoff by WLU Professor James G. Leyburn eloquently declining and invitation to introduce the 1974 WLU Contact Committee symposium. The collection also includes a c. 1976 WLU fundraising packet which with campus photographs, an early 1900's panoramic post card of the WLU colonnade, a card with the 1972 WLU football schedule, and a University Cocktail Party pass signed by Sherman.

This collection contains photocopies of research materials gathered by Francis MacDonnell in preparation of his article 'Reconstruction in the wake of Vietnam: the pardoning of Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis,' which was published in Civil War History, Vol. XL, no.2, 1994. Included are materials from the Gerald Ford Library, government documents, and miscellaneous sources on the pardoning of Robert E. Lee, Vietnam draft evaders, Iva 'Tokyo Rose' Toguri and others during the Ford Administration and on the pardoning of Jefferson Davis during the Carter Administration.

A collection of videos (some amateur, some professional) documenting special events such as matriculation, Ring Figure, graduation, speeches, and other topics relating to VMI activities and cadet life. The bulk of this collection dates from the 1980's forward, although a few date from an earlier period.

Includes graded papers, clippings, and correspondence with Washington and Lee University professors during Mudd's college years. Also includes speeches given for commencements, press/broadcasting associations, emcee roles, and acceptance of awards and honors. Includes correspondence with J. Stewart Bryan III, John Updike, Sandra Day O'Connor, Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather. Includes scripts from Mudd's years at the Richmond News Leader, CBS radio and television, NBC, PBS, and THC (History Channel) television. Includes VHS tapes of commencement addresses, clips from CBS, NBC, THC and PBS (MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour), personal appearances and professionally produced tapes narrated by Mudd. Especially notable are the video series entitled Great Minds in American History, Learning in America, Inside the Presidency, and Making History with Roger Mudd. Some of the clippings and tapes were used for Mudd's journalism classes at Princeton University and Washington and Lee University. Collection also includes day by day coverage of the U. S. Congressional journey of the 1964 Civil Rights legislation.