The Esther Bacon papers date from 1936 to 1994 and measure 17.5 linear inches (4 boxes). The papers are arranged in four series: Biographical, Correspondence, Liberia, and Photographs.

The Biographical series contains mainly obituaries and posthumous works about her. These include newspaper clippings about her death, obituaries, services from multiple churches that she was involved in, letters from the United Lutheran Board of Foreign Missions to Nora Leander, and letters of condolence. The biography “Outlaw for God: The Esther Bacon story” is also housed here. Along with posthumous works there are some contemporary items such as her diplomas from Morningside College, Johns Hopkins University, and the Kentucky State Board of Health, newspaper clippings when she left for Liberia, and mailings from the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing.

The Correspondence series consists primarily of letters from Bacon to her aunt Nora Leander. Most are from Bacon’s time in Africa, but some are from travels in the United States while she was on leave. There are also two work letters, one discussing Bacon’s request to return to Zorzor and the other requesting passage to the Republic of Guinea under the condition that the two missionaries remain unmolested while working in the neighboring country.

The Liberia series covers Bacon’s time as a missionary and articles about the country that Nora Leander collected. Bacon’s works include her health surveys when she returned to the United States on leave, a report about Zorzor hospital with collected images, and daily reports by Bacon. There are many magazines included that range from pieces published by the Liberian government about the country to articles about the country by other publishers. A large group of articles mention Bacon or feature her prominently. There is a copy of Reader’s Digest that explains Lassa Fever, the disease that killed Bacon. There are several charcoal sketches by Betty Stull, a fellow missionary at Zorzor, of the people and places around the mission.

The Photographs series includes many photographs that Bacon took while in Liberia. These range from pictures of people and places to medical practices. There are also photographs of her graduating class the Lutheran General Hospital. Many of the photographs are in an album compiled by Nora Leander. These cover Bacon’s younger years and her time in Liberia. Some of the photographs from Bacon’s work as a missionary are explicit medical material that include graphic visuals of ailments she encountered.