Film producer and director, pioneer in the documentary film. Robert Joseph Flaherty was married to Frances Hubbard Flaherty. His brother was the documentary film-maker David Flaherty. The Robert Flaherty Foundation, later absorbed by International Film Seminars, Inc., was established after Flaherty's death to encourage study of "the Flaherty method" of film-making, to advise young directors, and to ensure the continued availability of the Flaherty films.

Professional and personal papers of Robert J. Flaherty and of his associates Frances Hubbard Flaherty and David Flaherty, concerning his career as an explorer in the Hudson Bay area, and as a film-maker from 1913 until 1951. The collection includes correspondence, diaries, financial records, scripts, publicity materials, his books, short stories, and articles and stills from his films including NANOOK OF THE NORTH (1922), MOANA (1925), MAN OF ARAN (1934), ELEPHANT BOY (1937), THE LAND (1941), and LOUISIANA STORY (1948). Also, files of the Robert Flaherty Foundation, including the later personal papers of Mrs. Flaherty.