The Viola Frances Barnes Papers consist of correspondence, writings, course materials, drafts of family history and autobiography, family papers, and financial records. The papers chiefly represent Barnes' professional development and close family relationships. In addition to family papers regarding genealogical information, there is extensive correspondence between Barnes and her parents, Cass G. and Isabella Smith Barns (Barnes and her brother changed the family name), regarding her education, family news and local events. There are several writings about Cass G. Barns discussing his role as a Nebraska pioneer in the late 1800s. There is also correspondence from Barnes' brother, Donald G. Barnes, ranging from 1909 to his death in 1975, primarily discussing their various experiences in the field of academia including teaching positions, colleagues, and Mount Holyoke College events as well as health and family matters. Also included is correspondence with distant relatives. Notebooks, musical compositions, and exams represent Barnes' undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska School of Music, 1902-1906. During Barnes' undergraduate years and her graduate studies at Yale University, there are correspondence between friends and family along with her Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority sisters. Papers from her professional life include correspondence with colleagues and various academic organizations, especially those focusing on American Studies. Barnes was a co-founder of the Berkshire Conference on the History of Women. Barnes came to Mount Holyoke College in 1919 where her subsequent 33-year teaching career is characterized by correspondence with fellow faculty members including, Mary E. Woolley, Roswell G. Ham, Alzada Comstock, Jeannette Marks, Ruth Baird, and visiting professor Leonie Villard; and letters from alumnae discussing their academic and professional lives and expressing their thoughts on teachings of Barnes and her retirement. Also included is her work on the American Library Project, the development of the American Studies program, and a draft of her conversation with Elizabeth Green on her opinions of Mount Holyoke College in the 20th Century.