The papers consist of correspondence, diaries, journals, financial records, writings, lectures, reproductions of sketches and documents which detail the lives of three generations of the Peale family. Material relating to the Peale Museum is also included.

This collection of letters, diaries, and other types of documents (both original and copies) was assembled primarily by Mary Jane Peale, who copied, or had copied, many family documents. The bulk of the collection centers on Charles Willson Peale, James Burd Peale, and Mary Jane Peale.