The Frances Perkins Papers contain correspondence, course records, writings, financial records, notes and memoranda, memorabilia, biographical information, and photographs. The most extensive part of the collection consists of notes and notebooks, compositions, student papers, textbooks, assignments, examinations, and other records for courses that Perkins took as a student at Mount Holyoke College, 1898-1902. This material reflects her study of art history, astronomy, the Bible, botany, chemistry, English, English literature, the German language, history, Latin, "pedagogy" (education), "philosophy" (ethics, logic, and psychology), physics, "political economy" (sociology), and zoology. Of particular significance are notes and reports on visits to factories in Massachusetts and Connecticut that Perkins prepared for two political economy classes taught by Annah May Soule. Perkins' course records also include a high school Latin paper, Mount Holyoke catalogues and an entrance examination, and her plans for her course work. Correspondence in the collection dates from 1898-1903 and 1914 and primarily consists of letters written to Perkins by relatives and friends. One letter from her father, dated June 2, 1902, discusses her finances and commencement plans. The other letters are mostly from friends including Mary Alice Bradford, Florence E. Locke, Mary E. Lyman, Kate E. Paterson Ross, Eva Gay Stewart, Alice Bidwell Wesenberg, and other Mount Holyoke students and alumnae. These letters reflect the close friendship among these women and discuss College events (such as Senior Mountain Day) and summer and post-graduation activities. The writings by Perkins include articles, letters to the editor, pamphlets, speeches, and copies of her books "People At Work" (1934) and "The Roosevelt I Knew" (1946). Most of her writings date 1930-1945 and concern labor-related issues such as the problems facing working women and older workers. Financial records date from 1898-1903 and include an account book, notes, and a receipt. Most of this material reflects Perkins' personal expenses for room furnishings, food, travel, clothing, and books. Her notes and memoranda from circa 1898-circa 1903 chiefly reflect Perkins' service as President of the Class of 1902 at Mount Holyoke. These documents also include teaching notes from 1902-1903, when she taught astronomy, geography, mathematics (algebra and geometry), and zoology at Monson Academy in Monson, Massachusetts. Memorabilia, 1901-1965, relates to her activities as a student at Mount Holyoke and to her subsequent professional life. This material includes programs for College events, Class of 1902 publications, programs for meetings and conferences that she attended, and a copy of an April 3, 1939 speech by Representative John A. Martin of the United States Congress that called for the dismissal of impeachment proceedings against Perkins. Biographical information dates from circa 1911-1965 and consists of notes, sketches, and articles chiefly concerning Perkins' professional activities. This material reflects her views on issues such as child labor, the length of the work day, continuing education for married women, a minimum wage for women workers, social security, unemployment insurance, and the best use of leisure time. Several articles also express opinions about her work as Secretary of Labor. Photographs date from circa 1884-1963 and consist of both formal portraits and informal photographs of Perkins. The earliest photograph is a portrait of her as a child in about 1884. Other photographs show her at Mount Holyoke College before and after graduation and with professional associates including United States presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.

Material from this collection is available in an online digital format.

This collection is organized into eight series:

• Correspondence
• Course Records
• Writings
• Financial Records
• Notes and Memoranda
• Memorabilia
• Biographical Information
• Photographs