This collection documents the public life of former Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell. The majority of the images in the collection depict his time as mayor; others document his career as a realtor and member of the City of Atlanta Board of Aldermen. The images also document Massell's ceremonial duties as mayor, including presiding over groundbreakings; presenting keys to the city to special visitors; and ceremonies involving MARTA and Delta Airlines. The collection features images of Massell hosting political figures, including George McGovern, Hubert Humphrey, Ed Muskie, and John Lindsay. In addition, there are images of Massell with Atlanta political and civic leaders such as Ivan Allen, Jr., Maynard Jackson, and Coretta Scott King. He was photographed with several celebrities such as Burt Reynolds, Rock Hudson, Eartha Kitt, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lewis. Other images include Massell at awards ceremonies and addressing civic groups at civic events, including the Atlanta chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); National League of Cities conventions; and an event at the Atlanta Stadium led by evangelist Billy Graham. The collection contains hundreds of formal portraits of Massell, as well as images of him giving speeches and working in his office.