The papers of Robert Merrill Bartlett document Bartlett's career as a teacher, writer, and historian. The collection consists of a small amount of biographical material (1 folder of clippings and family history) and .05 lin. ft. of correspondence. The correspondence includes letters written from China (1925-27). In addition to the correspondence, the collection contains clippings, writings, an oral history, and photographs concerning Bartlett's experiences in China and Chinese History in 1920s.  The writings series cover three areas of Bartlett’s interests; The Pilgrims, China, and religion and church history. Titles of manuscripts include “Chinese Revolutionaries” (c. 1986), “The Beleaguered City Peking” (October 24, 1924), “Alpine Pilgrims” (n.d.), and  “The Church of the Palatinate” (n.d.).  The writings concerning the Pilgrims (along with notes) provide a resource of information concerning Pilgrims and life in New England in the 1600s.

Series I. Biographical, c. 1983-1991, n.d. (2 folders, 0.05 lin. ft.)

The biographical materials include copies of articles and newsclippings concerning Robert M. Bartlett's life. Also included is Pilgrim Robert Bartlett 1603-1976, a genealogy written by Robert M. Bartlett, n.d., and A Goodly Heritage, a family history written by Cora Cort Taylor, n.d.

Series II. Correspondence, 1925-27, 1933, 1941, 1982 (2 folders, 0.05 lin. ft.)

The correspondence is divided into two sub-series. Sub-series 1 consists of a type script summary of letters received (1933), and 4 letters concerning professional matters. A separate folder contains carbon copies of letters written by Bartlett from China reporting on his experiences (1925-27).  Sub-series 2 consists of references copies of letters between Margaret Sanger and Bartlett, and two letters from John W. McCormack to Bartlett. The letters in sub-series 2 are not to be copied. See Provenance statement

Series III. Talks and Sermons, 1927-1933 (2 folders, 0.10 lin. ft.)

These talks given by Bartlett include "Our Pilgrim Heritage" (1993), "The Religion of the Pilgrims" (1973), "Fifty Years Ago in Longmeadow" (1957), and a lecture concerning the Intellectual Revolution in China (1927). Two sermons include "Two Apples" (1943) and "Counterfeit" (1927).

Series IV. Writings, 1923-27, 1930, 1943, 1971-1987, 1990, n.d. (71 folders, 1.25 lin. ft.)

Writings of Robert M. Bartlett including "The Obstinate Illusion: A Historical Novel of China and America, 1920-1950" (1991), "Chinese Revolutionaries" (c. 1986), "Jimmy Yen: Humanitarian of the Century" (1986), and miscellaneous writings concerning China, pilgrims, and religion.

Series V. Clippings, 1925-61, 1971-87, n.d. (4 folders, 0.05 lin. ft.)

Newspaper articles concerning events in China, history of the pilgrims, and Florida's natural habitats.

Series VI. Oral History, c. 1983-84 (30 cassettes, 0.25 lin. ft.)

Thirty cassette tapes of an oral history of Jimmy Yen. The interview was conducted by Robert Bartlett.

Series VII. Photographs, 1924-27, 1962, n.d. (6 folders, 0.50 lin. ft.)

Photographs of people, buildings, and daily activities in China (1924-1927), photographs of events and buildings concerning pilgrims, photographs for the book "Why We Are Alike: A Child's Story of the Great Religions" (n.d.). Also included are negatives and glass slides of China.

The Robert Merrill Bartlett papers were received from Robert Bartlett in three accessions in 1987, 1992, and 1993. [Acc. 1987/004, 1992/085, and 1993/078] Additional correspondence (photocopies) was received from New York University in 2006 (2006/020). These letters are for reference only. Photocopies must be obtained through NYU.