Robert B. (Burney) Johnston, educator and historian, is recognized for his research and publications on Jesse D. Carr and Monterey County, California. The collection consists of research material on California rancher and businessman Jesse D. Carr as well as Robert Johnston's correspondence, writings and presentations about his research.

The collection consists of materials collected by the Shaw Historical Library on the activities of the Tule Lake Committee and others to preserve the site of the Tule Lake Relocation and Segregation Center in northern California, the Tule Lake Pilgrimages, the site’s national historic landmark designation and the establishment of the Tule Unit of the World War II Valor in the Pacific Monument.