Sportsman, explorer, naturalist and U. S. Government Intelligence officer, Dolan was a member of the ANSP Board of Trustees and of the Library Committee for many years. His first expedition to Asia and Western China occurred in 1931 when he brought back valuable additions to the Academy's collections. His second trip to Tibet and Western China occupied the years 1934-1936. As a result of this trip 3,000 bird skins and 140 mammals were added to the Academy's collection. During the Second World War when an experienced man was needed by the U. S. Intelligence Officer for a confidential mission in Asia, Brooke Dolan was chosen. His death while on duty was reported in August, 1945. By his will a library of Tibetan books and many of his specimens came to the Academy. These papers consist of records and documents of the Asiatic Expeditions, correspondence in 1941 showing his various pre-war activities, and papers about his Memorial Meeting at the Academy in December, 1945.

These materials are on long-term deposit at the Academy, but are not available for research at this time at the request of the family.