The collection contains correspondence of Downer, Princeton professor of English (1946-1970), much of which is related to Princeton's Spencer Trask lecture series, the Voice of America radio series, and invitations to notable members of the theater to address Downer's classes; works by Downer, including articles, lecture notes and course material, miscellaneous research notes, and unfinished projects; papers of various lecture series, and articles, notes, and photographs relating to American theater; and reports and miscellaneous papers dealing with McCarter Theatre. There is also material concerning various professional organizations of which Downer was a member, as well as playbooks and scripts, such as Orson Welles's "Citizen Kane." Photographs include portraits of such actors and actresses as Sarah Bernhardt, Florence Eldridge, Mel Ferrer, Julie Harris, Helen Hayes, Audrey Hepburn, and Frederic March.