This collection consists of a mixture of letters, legal documents (deeds, guardianship transfers, quit claims, etc.,) newspaper clippings, and keepsakes pertaining to the Bean and McMaster families from various locations within the United States. The bulk of the collection dates from early 19th century to early 20th century. Also contained within the collection are photographs in a variety of formats including tintypes, gelatin prints, cabinet cards, ambrotypes, and daguerrotypes of family members during this period. The Van Every Collection also contains various artifacts from the period including medical and field tools utilized during the American Civil War, leather wallets, a decorated coin from 1826, and a family bible that dates back to 1859.

5.26 linear feet (2 document boxes, 2 half-size document boxes, 2 flat boxes, 1 flat oversize box)

Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Research Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Research Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Department of Special Research Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.

The collection is open for research.