Records documenting the history of the Weston Observatory from the 1950s to the 1970s through materials created by seismologist and director Daniel Linehan, SJ. Linehan's records include the Observatory central files, which are principally correspondence with organizations that contracted seismic studies from the Observatory, and from Jesuit and scientific groups of which Linehan was a member and to which he contributed papers or other expertise. A very small amount of materials from directors preceding Linehan is included in these records. The Observatory's work is also captured in the seismic survey files, with field notes, reports, and occasional plans and correspondence for contract work performed for private corporations, towns, and Massachusetts departments to aid in planning for buildings, dam sites, highways, power plants, and tunnels. A sampling of the portable seismological equipment used in this field work is also part of the collection.

In addition to the regional work of the Observatory, Linehan contributed his geophysical expertise to the Vatican City, polar expeditions, and the UNESCO Seismological Missions. His correspondence, travel diaries, and photographic materials are included with the records, as are publicity materials spanning the Observatory's seismological work and Linehan's expeditions. Linehan's talks and papers likewise cover both his research and his adventures.

Linehan was also an amateur radio enthusiast, and his papers contain his work as Executive Secretary of the International Mission Radio Association and membership in other radio organizations, as well as his radio transmitter and receiver.

Linehan's religious materials include his notes for masses and retreats, correspondence, cards celebrating his jubilees, and 5-year calendars marking Mass intentions.