The Lucy Thurston Goodale Papers consist of correspondence (original manuscripts or typescript copies); notebooks and other writings; drawings and paintings; memorabilia; and biographical and genealogical information. Most of this material reflects Goodale's activities as a student at Mount Holyoke Female Seminary from 1838-1840. In letters written to family members, she discusses her studies (especially in the sciences), domestic work, schedule, regulations and religious life at the school, and the Seminary Building. She frequently mentions Mary Lyon, describes events such as the Fourth of July celebration in 1838, discusses her health and that of other members of the community, and refers to slavery and other contemporary issues. Her notebooks contain notes for lectures concerning chemistry, geology and other sciences and "Topics in Bible Lessons," as well as detailed descriptions of excursions to Deerfield, Mt. Holyoke (the mountain) and a button factory in South Hadley. Her writings also include a composition and poem and notes on her daily schedule. Goodale's drawings consist of floor plans for the cellar and first floor of the Seminary Building and a variety of other works (some of them in color), including numerous stencilled and theorem paintings. Memorabilia in the collection consists of two certificates concerning Goodale's early education and an account of her death written by her mother, Millicent Warren Goodale, in 1841. Biographical information includes a copy of Goodale's obituary, supplemented by notes about her family, circa 1840s-1910, and an article published in the "Old Sturbridge Visitor" in 1982.

This collection is organized into five series:

• Correspondence (1836-1840)
• Writings (1838-1840)
• Drawings and Paintings (circa 1838-1840)
• Memorabilia (circa 1832-1841)
• Biographical Material (1840-1982)