This collection includes both original and facsimile content. The collection's contents pertain to land along the Great Kanhawa, the American Revolution, Mt. Vernon, and Washington Academy in Lexington, Va. There is also a facsimile and typescript for items whose originals are elsewhere or in private hands. A few of the original Washington-related items have been reproduced for research with the originals removed for security purposes.

The John A. Washington Family History Collection contains genealogic records of the American descendants of 17th century English emigrants Lawrence and John Washington, founders of one of Virginia's most illustrious families.