This collection contains the personal and professional papers belonging to Robert R. Martin. Martin is popularly known as former President of Eastern Kentucky University, but also served as an educator, Superintendent of Education, and a Senator. In all of his work, Martin was dedicated to pursuing the improvement of education in all levels across the state. This collection contains correspondence, legislative papers, photographs, scrapbooks, campaign materials, publications, and materials documenting his success throughout his career. The materials in this collection all emphasize Martin's intense passion for education across the state as well as his interest in history.

Researchers looking for papers related to Martin's service at Eastern should instead look at Martin's President Office Records. There are some highlights of Martin's accomplishments at Eastern in this collection, but most everything else relates to his time as senator. There is also some content related to his time as an educator, his time with the Department of Education, and his accomplishments with his social clubs/organizations.