This collection of material from the Diocese of Bardstown-Louisville has come to the University of Notre Dame Archives at various times from different people, and it has finally been consolidated into this one collection. There are related collections, acquired in the same manner as much of this material, which consist of correspondence of prominent members of the American Catholic hierarchy and other clergy and religious, in addition to prominent lay people -- see, for example, the papers of Joseph Haseltine (CHSL), Martin J. Spalding (CMJS), and Benedict J. Spalding (CBJS).

The bulk of the material, approximately eight feet, was received from the estate of Frank Clark, a former microfilmer for the University who died in 1979 and was known for collecting material relating to Catholicism in the United States, particularly in Kentucky and the midwest region. This material was in very poor condition and in complete disarray. The rest of the collection was begun in the late 19th century by James F. Edwards, the first archivist of the University. Included are gifts of John L. Spalding, Bishop Maes of Covington, and Abbot Benedict of the Trappist Monastery, Gethsemani, Kentucky.

Because of the differences in time of acquisition and the order of the microfilm collection, the first seven series contain the material from the Frank Clark Estate, series eight is material that was in two identical style green boxes, while series nine is material that was kept in two other "McAvoy" style boxes (named for a former archivist of the University). The microfilm contains material primarily from series eight and nine.