This series covers Seelye's life in terms of his family history, Union College, Smith life and memorabilia (including inauguration and retirement), his life achievements and opinions, and his death. The folders are arranged alphabetically. Most of the material is newspaper articles. Other materials include a scrapbook, class notebooks, publications, and various memorabilia.

This series is divided into four subseries. The correspondence from Family members is arranged alphabetically by the first name of the person to whom the letter was sent. Correspondence that has to do with Seelye's professional life at Smith College is arranged alphabetically by last name. Each folder classifies the person as an alumna, a parent, or an associate. Correspondence from Non-Smith College people are also arranged alphabetically by last name and cover his outside activities, notable people, and parishioners. The subseries Employment opportunities contain correspondence that Seelye received from various institutions asking him to consider working for them.

This series is the largest in the collection. It covers Seelye's numerous SERMONS/SPEECHES/LECTURES from the time he was a pastor to the last years of his life. The dated Sermons are arranged chronologically and include the city in which the sermon was given. The undated sermons are arranged alphabetically by title or the first sentence of the sermon. Seelye traveled throughout the country giving sermons, including to Chicago; Bethel, CT; Albany, NY; Springfield; Amherst; Brookline; Northampton; Norwich; Brooklyn; Easthampton; and Boston. Speeches are further divided into subseries of religious, Washington's Birthday, and secular. Both the religious and secular speeches are arranged alphabetically by title and/or subject; Washington's Birthday speeches are arranged chronologically. Lectures are divided into English Literature and the History of Education. The English lectures cover the years when Seelye was an English professor at Amherst College. Most of the lectures are about the history of education at women's colleges. Both subseries are arranged alphabetically by title and/or subject. The majority are handwritten by Seelye; the rest are typed with various handwritten corrections.

This series is arranged alphabetically by title and/or subject. The materials are both manuscripts and published works, from editorials to magazine articles to books. The main subseries is Seelye's Early History of Smith College. (The original letters can be found in Series II. CORRESPONDENCE, Box 5 Folder 13.) The Drafts make up the bulk of the material.

Most of the Photographs in this series are of Seelye himself. These are arranged chronologically. Other photographs are arranged alphabetically, and include photographs of Seelye's cow, the Old North Church, publication photographs, Round Hill (the President's House), and Mrs. Henrietta Chapin Seelye. The portraits are arranged chronologically. This subseries includes depictions of Seelye in his public and private life. Photographs of Seelye's family are located in the folder identified as Henrietta Chapin Seelye's photographs.

This series is arranged alphabetically by subject, and when necessary, by date. The subseries are Correspondence, Family, and Journals. The correspondents are mostly family members. The Family papers cover both business and family matters. The Journals cover the years from 1859 - 1913 and are an excellent source for understanding Smith College during the years of Seelye's presidency. Other materials include photographs, manuscripts, publications, and a scrapbook.