Best known for his color photography of birds and landscapes, Eliot Porter generously bequeathed to the Museum his archive, which includes over 9,000 prints. The Eliot Porter Papers cover the years 1866 to 1993, with a focus on his photographic work from the 1950s to 1980s. The collection consists of:

• Biographical material: includes autobiographical material and clippings from published interviews, exhibition information, book reviews, and a draft of an autobiography
• Correspondence: a mix of personal and business letters, documents, and fan mail; examples include correspondence with Ansel Adams, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Ralph Steiner
• Financial records: includes both business and personal records such as photographic supply accounts and contract agreements; of note are his 1952 US Income tax statement with an abstract of his photographic business from 1946 to 1952
• Journals and notebooks: handwritten and typed notes on ornithological observations, photographic exposure records, and shooting notes, as well as travel diaries from professional and personal trips around the world
• Writings: articles, speeches, and statements on photography and conservation as well as correspondence, research materials, and manuscripts for his books like Baja California, Egypt, and Galapagos: The Flow of Wildness
• Exhibitions: includes press releases, reviews, gallery announcements, and catalogues
• Articles and clippings documenting his diverse interests in ornithology, conservation, economics, and politics; includes clippings of contributions to the Santa Fe New Mexican and The St. Louis Post-Dispatch
• Awards: contains certificates and honors for his work as a photographer, ornithologist, and conservationist including honors from the National Wildlife Federation, the National Park Service, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Photography in Fine Arts, and the “Kulturpreis,” the highest German decoration for outstanding merit in the field of photography
• Artifacts: plaques, medals, and academic hoods
• Family papers: personal correspondence and materials from 1955 through 1990
• Publications: includes copies of his books, portfolios, filmstrips, calendars, and periodicals with reproductions of his work

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In addition to the Eliot Porter Papers, the Carter also houses these related collections:

The Porter Family Collection of Eliot Porter Papers

Made of materials donated by individual family members to enrich Eliot Porter’s original bequest, this archive covers 1953 to 1988 and illustrates his diverse projects and publications, notably letters written in the field offering observations on his work. It includes correspondence with Aline Porter, Jonathan Porter, Patrick Porter, and Stephen Porter.

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The Stephen Porter Collection of Eliot Porter Papers

Donated by his son Stephen and made up of correspondence from 1913 to 1996, this collection illustrates his relationships with his wife and sons. The letters originate from Santa Fe, New Mexico, as well as from Nairobi, Kenya; Christchurch, New Zealand; and the US Antarctic Research Vessel Hero.

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The Patrick E. Porter Collection of Eliot Porter Papers

Personal letters donated by his son, Patrick E. Porter, covering their relationship from the years 1950 to 1975. Most were written in Santa Fe, New Mexico, but also in Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

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The Dr. W. Powell Cottrille Collection of Eliot Porter Papers

Donated by Dr. W. Powell and Betty Cottrille, this collection includes 35 mm color slides and “A Few Michigan Birds” portfolio from 1960 to 1964.

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The Eliot Porter/Ansel Adams Correspondence

This collection contains photocopies from the Center for Creative Photography, Tucson, Arizona, of correspondence between Porter and Adams from 1943 to 1980. Topics include photography, color photography, Polaroid film, the Sierra Club, the Friends of Photography, and Porter’s travel and book projects.

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