The papers of Albert J. Headley, Jr. consist of materials dealing almost exclusively with the issue of urban development. The materials span the years 1945 to 1976, with the bulk of the items dating from 1955 to 1968. There are a few documents related to Headley, Jr.’s activities in the local Catholic Church and several hand-drawn family trees. Headley, Jr. collected the majority of materials. Community groups such as the National Conference of Catholic Charities, Downtown Progress, Federation of Citizens’ Associations, and the Southwest Citizens Association’s contributed newsletters, resolutions, and correspondence. Headley, Jr. also collected reports, meeting notices, legislation, and informational brochures from many government agencies including the Government of the District of Columbia, D.C. Redevelopment Land Agency, and the Washington Zoning Revision Office. Other materials include: groundbreaking programs, flyers, advertisements, court decisions, church programs, copies of public laws and bills, articles, public testimony, drafts, magazines, and newspaper clippings. Some of the topics that relate to urban renewal are: the Northwest and Southwest quadrants of DC, general issues of urban renewal in the U.S., freeway construction, housing developments, legislation, beautification, and relocation. Other urban issues touched upon include model schools, juvenile delinquency, traffic, and public transportation.