The collection was collected by the Smith College Archives over an extended period and included in the subject files are correspondence, manuscripts, photographs, programs and other primary source materials. The collection is arranged in alphabetical order by subject. The collection is not complete, and materials are added to it on a regular basis. For in-depth research pertaining to Northampton and other local history, researchers should contact Historic Northampton, Inc. and the Forbes Library, as they have a greater depth of local history collections.

The College Archives also has books relating to Northampton and surrounding towns.