Scope and Content Note
The papers of Richard Sharpe Patterson (1908-1976) span the years 1776-1998, with the bulk of the material concentrated in the period 1857-1976. The collection consists of correspondence, writings, notes, research material, clippings, printed matter, photographs, wax impressions of seals, and other papers relating primarily to Patterson's research and writing on the Great Seal of the United States. Included is material pertaining to The Eagle and the Shield: A History of the Great Seal of the United States (1976) written by Patterson and Richardson Dougall. The collection also includes documentation concerning treaties of the United States, buildings of the State Department, portraits of secretaries of state, and Department of State statistical material.