From the donor:

In 1992, Baker Book House of Grand Rapids, MI, published my book, Dorothy Carey: The Tragic and Untold Story of Mrs. William Carey. During the preparation of the manuscript (1989-1992) and after the publication of the book, I obtained a variety of materials germane to the Carey story. I strongly feel that these materials should be deposited in a Baptist research center so that future researchers can have access to them. The material includes audio-visual items, books and pamphlets, correspondence, memorabilia, and various other resources such as bibliographies and archival inventories.

The story of the Careys is relevant to the history of Baptists in America. The Carey landing in India in 1793 was a direct example for Americans to emulate. Judson himself considered going into missionary service under the auspices of a British mission. When the Judsons landed in Calcutta in 1813, the Americans were following in the trail of their British colleagues. Although not enough has been yet discovered about William Carey’s American correspondence, we do know that he was granted an honorary degree by Brown University in 1806 and that he did carry on some correspondence with Baptists in America. The very British Carey story lays the foundation for the subsequent American story of Baptists in mission.