The papers of Robert Wickliffe Woolley (1871-1958) consist of correspondence, reports, memoranda, manuscripts of speeches and articles, the draft of an unpublished autobiography, photographs, clippings and other printed matter, financial records, and memorabilia. The material extends from 1842 to 1956, with the bulk of the papers from the period 1912-1921. The collection is organized into six series: General Correspondence ; Letterpress Books ; Subject File ; Speech, Article, and Book File ; Miscellany ; and Printed Matter .

Nearly a third of the papers concerns the Democratic national political campaigns of 1912, 1916, and 1920, when Woolley was engaged in organizing party publicity. Another third of the material relates to his work with the Interstate Commerce Commission from 1917 to 1921. The greatest emphasis of this portion is on the regulation of railroads during and after World War I, inquiries relating to the United States Senate Committee on Interstate Commerce, and fuel economy. The remainder of the papers is comprised of family, political, and financial correspondence, memorabilia, and printed matter. Although Woolley was a member of twelve emergency boards of the National Mediation Board, between 1945 and 1947, only a few items in the papers concern these matters. Material is also scant on the Stanley Committee for which Woolley was chief investigator into the affairs of the U.S. Steel Corporation.

“Politics Is Hell,” an unpublished autobiography, chronicles Woolley's acquaintance with the political leaders and issues during his career.

Prominent correspondents include Alben William Barkley, Louis Dembitz Brandeis, Desha Breckinridge, James M. Cox, Josephus Daniels, Edward Mandell House, William Gibbs McAdoo, George Foster Peabody, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Daniel C. Roper, Joseph P. Tumulty, Harry S. Truman, and Woodrow Wilson.