The Initiative 256 records are a detailed account of Dr. Robert Keller’s attempt to promote Initiative 256.   The collection documents a small part of the larger ecology movement of the early 1970's as well as the polarization of American society during the Vietnam era.  It is also valuable as a detailed exposition of Washington state's initiative process.

Series have been established which reflect the origins of the initiative, the filing process, campaign organization, opposition to the initiative, events surrounding the election, correspondence, the post-election book project and television documentary, as well as promotional photographs.   Materials have been arranged chronologically within series.  The collection includes the final draft of the initiative, handouts and flyers, mailing lists, organization files documenting activities of volunteers and committees, as well as materials related to the 1972 television production "The Initiative and the People".  Also included is an unpublished history of Washington state's initiative process and the Initiative 256 campaign entitled: "Keeping America Beautiful: The History of Initiative 256 in Washington State, 1970" by Robert Keller.