This collection contains the papers of Harry W. Sanders, graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (BS, 1916); professor of agricultural education and vocational education (1925-1963) and professor emeritus of vocational education (1963-1985) at Virginia Tech; vocational teacher-trainer in Puerto Rico (1932-1933); and co-founder of the Future Farmers of Virginia (basis of the Future Farmers of America). The collection contains such materials as correspondence; awards; articles; printed materials; scrapbooks; and photographs relating to Sanders' personal life and professional career, as well as the histories of Virginia Tech and Blacksburg, Virginia.

The bulk of the collection focuses on Sanders' interest in vocational education and his tenure at Virginia Tech through correspondence, memoranda, instructional materials, and reports. The collection also contains a folder relating to Sanders' civic activities, particularly his work with the local YMCA and the American Red Cross. Also included are more than 100 typescript articles written by Sanders, used either in publications or as the basis for talks. The year that Sanders spent establishing a program of vocational education in Puerto Rico is represented in several issues of the Puerto Rican "Vocational Education in Agriculture" newsletter; a subject folder containing correspondence, reports, and printed material; a photo album; and a scrapbook. The collection contains several other scrapbooks, as well: one devoted to vocational education; one to the history of Virginia Tech, especially prominent personalities in the university's development; and two on topics relating to the history of Blacksburg, Virginia, including organizations, churches, historic sites, and prominent community members. The scrapbooks on Virginia Tech and Blacksburg consist largely of newspaper clippings. A small collection of photographs completes the collection and contains several images of Virginia Tech campus groups, including the "Ragged Rangers" (1913), the Corps of Cadets in formation (1915/1916), and the 1914/1915 junior class.