Photograph and ephemera largely related to Francis Sisson, a pen artist active in Newport in the late 1800s through to the early 1900s, donated by George Heald, Sisson’s grandson. Collection includes various penmanship samples and local souvenir cards illustrated by Sisson, original photographs from the 1938 hurricane captured by Emerson Heald (Sisson's son-in-law), as well as group photographs from local playhouse productions, the Newport YMCA, and Daughters of the Grand Army Republic.

According to an undated newspaper clipping included in the collection, "Francis M. Sisson arrived at Newport, R.I., on August 16, 1867. He found it good, and has remained there since. The securing of a prize for best writing in a class conducted by Mr. H. Champlin, now Penmanship Supervisor of Cincinnati, started him on the road to a professional career. Shortly after he began teaching private pupils, and his success brought him increased patronage, ripening into a prosperous business. He is now conducting large evening classes in penmanship and bookkeeping, having for five years discharged the duties of bookkeeper in a large mercantile business. In addition to this, Mr. Sisson does a mail business that brings him a neat revenue. We have many times had occasion to notice his work favorably, and you should have some for your scrapbook, if not already supplied."