This collection of historical medical posters brings together various works included in gifts and bequests of Yale Medical faculty Clements C. Fry, Ira V. Hiscock, George M. Smith; the bequest of medical library founder Arnold C. Klebs; gifts of New York collector and benefactor William H. Helfand; and acquisitions through endowments.

The collection ranges from large size posters meant to be pasted on the sides of buildings and viewed from afar to small glossy placards designed for store windows. The collection focuses primarily on public health communications, but also has examples of medical product advertising, recruiting, and aid and relief solicitations.