The Robert Lee Penn Papers contain materials which describe the life and work of Robert Penn. Most of the collection is photocopies or digital copies of audio cassette tapes or video tape. The collection is divided into nine series: Printed Materials, Typescripts, Manuscripts, Correspondence, Ephemera, Miscellaneous, Media and Photographs.
The Printed Materials contain largely newspaper and periodical articles providing biographical information on Robert Penn as well as information concerning his art. Additional periodicals feature Penn’s work on their covers or in their pages. In addition, there are exhibition announcements, exhibition programs, book excerpts, calendars featuring Penn’s work, and posters.
The Typescripts contain biographical information and information concerning Robert Penn’s passing.
The Manuscripts contain poems written by Robert Penn.
The Correspondence is divided into two sub-series: Incoming and Other. The incoming series contains letters from institutions thanking Penn for his contribution to publications and organizations. The other series contains a letter from Alta dela Cruz Penn to Rick Geyerman, who was writing an article on Robert Penn.
The Ephemera include photocopies of note cards with Penn’s work and an unidentified wood cut.
The Miscellaneous materials contain Penn’s business cards and notes for a media relations file.
The Media portion of the collection contains CD’s and DVD’s of interviews with Robert Penn, the dedication of a Robert Penn mural, and a digital copy of a photograph of Robert Penn.
Many of the Photographs show Penn with his work or Penn working with students at the Oscar Howe Institute. Photographs of Penn with the students are restricted for FERPA.