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Richard B. Russell, Jr. Oral History Project consists of 175 oral history interviews relating to the personal and political life of Richard B. Russell. Interviewees include members of the Russell family, his staff and interns, other senators and public figures, and friends. The primary interviewer was Hugh Cates, a public relations manager at Southern Bell and secretary of the Russell Foundation (1977-1981). Most of the interviews were recorded between 1971 and 1979, but the majority during 1971 after Senator Russell's death. Other interviewers outside of the Russell Foundation Oral History Project include: William Stueck, Karen Kelly, Barboura Raesly, Robert G. Stephens, Jr., Dwight L. Freshley, Tom Jackson, Angus Hepburn, and Russell Library staff. Interviews provide insight into Senator Russell's political career as State Representative, Governor, and U.S. Senator, his views on various topics such as civil rights and Vietnam, and his personality and family life.

Series I. Phillip T. Parkerson Papers contain official reports and evaluations from Phillip Parkerson's diplomatic work, education, and professional interests. Phillip Parkerson's papers reflect his early interest in history and Latin America.

Ed Friend became interested in photography while serving in the South Pacific during World War II. He continued his creative pursuits while working for the Georgia State Game and Fish Commission, photographing nature and wildlife. Many of his photographs were published in state publications and even the Atlanta Journal. There are color and black and white prints, as well as corresponding 4"x5", 8"x10" and 35 mm negatives to many of these prints. Many have been individually sleeved in a polyester envelope.

This series contains clippings and correspondence concerning Gowen's unsuccessful bid for governor of Georgia in 1954 against Samuel Marvin Griffin and some clippings and magazine articles on Gowen's campaigns for and political activities in the Georgia House of Representatives. The series also contains journal entries, photographs, newspaper clippings, political cartoons, pamphlets, a scrapbook, and other materials created and collected by Gowen's daughter, Anne Gowen Spalding. Anne worked as a reporter for The Atlanta Constitution but took a leave of absence from the newspaper in 1954 to work as press secretary on her father's gubernatorial campaign.

This series includes papers related to J.B. Fuqua's political career and his involvement with the Georgia Democratic Party. The papers in this series include correspondence, drafts of speeches, pamphlets, and handbooks. This series covers Fuqua's political involvement with the Governor's Mansion Committee, campaign to elect Carl Sanders for Governor, State Democratic Executive Committee, Young Democratic Clubs of America, and the National Democratic Committee.

Series I. POW and Veterans Work documents Mrs. Purcell's efforts to earn the release of Col. Purcell following his capture by the Viet Cong in 1968 and his subsequent detention as a prisoner of war until 1973. Also included are files related to the Purcells' work to share their experiences through public appearances, the media, and their book, Love and Duty, and Col. Purcell's involvement with and support for POW and other veterans' organizations. Of particular interest are the communications Mrs. Purcell received from the Department of the Army during her husband's captivity, a scrapbook documenting her work on behalf of POW/MIA organizations, and a POW bracelet worn during Col. Purcell's detention.