Emma Weigley was a Professor of Nutrition and author of many publications on the topic. From 1964 to 1971, she wrote her doctoral dissertation about Sarah Tyson Rorer (1949-1937); a dietitian, educator, author, and editor of home economics and dietetics publications and cookbooks. This collection was assembled by Weigley as part of her research on Sarah Tyson Rorer. She wrote it initially for her dissertation, which was later published as part of the American Philosophical Society Memoirs series, "Sarah Tyson Rorer, The Nation's Instructress in Dietetics and Cookery". The collection includes Emma Weigley's correspondence (1964-1972) of letters between Weigley and potential information resources as well as her research notes. The materials from Sarah Tyson Rorer are primarily related to the Pension Fund (1933-1937) and her writings some of which are photocopies or on microfilm. There are also some photographs and negatives of Rorer and her cooking school.

These papers include two pages by Rubens Peale concerning landscapes, a notebook by Rembrandt Peale relating to the portrait of Washington, and a commonplace and recipe book, with sketches of gas lights.

John Neagle was among the better known portrait painters in Philadelphia during the first half of the nineteenth century and was the husband of Thomas Sully's niece, Mary C. Sully. The Neagle Papers is a small assemblage of personal correspondence, documents, and notes assembled by Neagle during his career. The letters are primarily of a personal nature, but along with the five bound volumes, offer insight into Neagle's study of painting and the techniques he employed. Included among the bound volumes are recipes for varnish, megellup, and drying oils and notes on watercolor painting.