The Speer Family papers represent four generations of that family, with the bulk of material attributed to the last two generations, especially Robert Elliott Speer and his wife and three of his five children: Emma Bailey, Elliott, Margaret Bailey, and William Speer. The family was active in the Presbyterian Church, serving that institution in a variety of different capacities. The children, in addition to their religious roles, held prominent positions in academic administration. The family's papers primarily consist of the personal papers of the family, although they also contain the professional correspondence of Emma Bailey and Margaret Bailey Speer, both Bryn Mawr College alumnae. This collection, which dates from 1802 to 1982, contains letters, diaries, speeches, publications, awards, and photographs, although the vast majority of the material is the letters between family members.
Constance Applebee introduced the sport of field hockey to the US and was for many years the director of physical education at Bryn Mawr College. Her papers occupy ten boxes and contain miscellaneous correspondence, memorabilia, sports programs, and publications that probably belonged to her
The papers of Katharine Elizabeth McBride contain the office files and correspondence and some personal files of Katharine Elizabeth McBride who was president of Bryn Mawr College from 1942 to 1970.