The Frederick Albert Cook Collection dates from 1909, 1955, and 1991-2009, with the bulk of items dating from 1991-2009. It consists of materials that are about Cook, including newspaper clippings covering his and Robert Peary's journeys to the North Pole, a book prospectus about Cook's journey to the North Pole, and a microfilm copy of the Library of Congress's Frederick Albert Cook Papers.The collection also contains essays and photographs from writers who argue that Cook did not reach the summit of Denali or the North Pole, and writers who believe that he was the first person to reach the summit of Denali and the North Pole.

The Robert E. Peary Collection, dated 1907-1909, 2002-2006, consists of materials about Robert E. Peary and his journey to the North Pole. This collection contains a photocopy and microfilm reel of a 1898-1901 physician’s diary kept by Dr. Thomas Dedrick, a surgeon who accompanied Peary on his 1898-1902 expedition to the North Pole. Page numbers are written on the photocopies. This collection also includes galley proofs and typescripts for Hampton’s Magazine article, “The Discovery of the North Pole.” Peary edited the galley proofs and typescripts with notes and corrections. Also included is a compact disc that contains a copy of an original 1909 Victor Record recording of Peary reading an excerpt of “The Discovery of the North Pole.” The original format of this recording is not in this collection.

The Donald McLean Oral History, dated 1997, 2001-2002, contains audio recordings, administrative information, and transcripts of the interview between McLean and Brian Shoemaker of the American Polar Society conducted on April 27, 1997. Major topics discussed include McLean's memories of his time with the Ronne Antarctic Expedition in 1946-1947, Ronne's leadership style, and McLean's further experiences in the polar regions while in the United States Navy.