The fonds consists of correspondence between Stephen Cummings and various west coast artists including Chung Hung, Chien Shih, Ann Kipling, Helen Goodwin, Toni Onley. Also includes letters from Pierre Coupey, Bill Goede, Ann Hardy, Nini Baird, Dave Gilhooly.

The collection consists of aircraft de-icing research papers and wartime aeronautical reports: Visits to Miscellaneous Aeronautical Establishments in the British Zone; Luftfahrtforschunganstalt Herman Goring Volkenrode, Brunswick; Visits in American and French Zones: Aircraft and Aircraft Engines; Report on Visit to Aerodynamische Versuchsanstalt Gottingen; Wartime Aeronautical Research and Development in Germany; Further Investigation of the Possibility of Preventing Ice Formation on the Propellers of Aircraft by Utilization of Exhaust Heat; Progress Report on Aircraft De-Icing Research; Thermo-Electric Airscrew De-Icing; State of the Canadian Aircraft Industry.

The fonds documents the career of Edward “Ted” Griffin, covering his work as founder and manager of the Seattle Aquarium, his experience as an orca capturer, and his writing ventures with magazine articles and a full-length book. The collection includes personal and professional correspondence, drafts of publications, documents regarding Washington State’s marine mammal legislation, publications written by Griffin or featuring him, financial reports, research notes and reports, and promotional material surrounding Namu. Major topics covered in these papers include the passage of the marine mammal capture ban in Washington in 1971, the capture and ensuing stardom of Namu, Griffin’s book, Namu: Quest for the Killer Whale, aquarium research and planning, and marine mammal research. Forms of materials include correspondence, reports, publications, manuscripts, clippings, and photographs.

The fonds documents the career of John F. Colby, covering his work as a collector, curator, consultant, and zookeeper at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Sealand of the Pacific, Seattle Marine Aquarium, Sea World, and several other animal parks across Canada and the United States. The collection includes personal and professional correspondence; a scrapbook on orca captures; field notes on collection expeditions, information on rearing animals and professional experiences; professional contracts; writings; and newspaper clippings. Major topics in these papers include the 1973 Pedder Bay orca capture, the illness and death of Sealand’s white whale, Chimo, in 1972, and the development and expansion of marine and aviary exhibits at animal parks.