Fonds consists of records generated by Archibald in his activities as scholar, researcher, collector, historian of Mount Allison and by personal relationships with friends, family and fellow Allisonians. A large portion of the fonds relates to the Mount Allison Ladies' College.
Files contain: correspondence with classmates, Class of 1894, of which he was life president, and with academic colleagues; and records related to centenary of the Ladies' College. Scrapbooks contain correspondence, clippings, notices, posters, programs, memorabilia which document activities, students, faculty, buildings at Mount Allison, 1857-1935. Correspondence, guides, and scrapbook document the building of the MMAML collection.
Mary Mellish files contain letters to Mrs. Archibald from colleagues, testimonials, letters of recommendation, letters to her son and brother; speeches and poetry written by her, letters of sympathy to her son following her death.
Photographs consist of images of family members, friends, Mount Allison buildings.
Publications are mainly authored by R.C. Archibald, off-prints and monographs; bibliography available.