The Harold Stirling Vanderbilt Collection consists of material transferred to Vanderbilt University from the Manalapan, Florida, estate after the death of Vanderbilt's widow, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt. The collection spans the years from approximately 1910 to 1978. It contains linear feet of material, largely comprised of correspondence and scrapbooks on contract bridge, yacht racing, and Vanderbilt University.

The collection covers only certain aspects of Harold Vanderbilt's life. It contains little personal correspondence and almost no material on his business affairs, such as his long-term interest in the New York Central Railroad.

Several hundred photographs contained in the collection will be processed and maintained in the Vanderbilt University Photographic Archive. This collection includes photographs from Vanderbilt's childhood, cruises, races; of his family, friends, residences, yachts, and airplanes. Over one third of the photographs are of Gertrude Conaway, her childhood and family. It is a fine depiction of turn-of-the-century costume and customs of the wealthy.