The Institute for Retired Professionals (IRP) was founded in 1962 by a group of New York City schoolteachers who sought to continue their intellectual development after retirement. The creation of courses and their delivery is entirely member run and depends upon members’ interests. New courses are offered each term. The collection consists mainly of printed matter, such as fliers, publications and course catalogs.

Parsons School of Design was established in 1896 and became affiliated with The New School as the university's art and design college in 1970. New School Archives staff assembled this collection of audiovisual materials, exhibition catalogs, posters, publications, student work, and other formats from departmental transfers and personal donations by Parsons School of Design faculty, students and administrative staff beginning in 2009.