The collection reflects the genealogical interests of its collector, Robert Alvey, with a particular focus on the life of his first cousin once removed, A. Alexis Alvey, and on the movements and history of various Alvey family members. The collection consists mainly of correspondence between Robert Alvey and A. Alexis Alvey; other types of materials in the collection include photographs of Alvey family members, correspondence, newspaper clippings, reproductions of historical military certificates, and a miniature book created by Eva Louise Alvey Richards.