The Frances H. Johnson papers contain correspondence, newspaper clippings, programs from musical performances, fliers, wedding invitations, and minutes and other related material from the Hartford Philharmonic Society and Hartford School of Music. The letters, most of which were written by others to Johnson, pertain largely to musical matters, whether artistic or business-related. The largest batch of letters is from the Scottish-born pianist and composer Helen Hopekirk (1856-1945), who was a teacher and longtime friend of Johnson's. A few letters in the collection were written by others to people other than Johnson, including a letter from 1921 written by the composer Camille Saint-Saens to Isidore Philipp, who gave it to Johnson.

Correspondence to Frances H. Johnson (FHJ) is arranged alphabetically by author and then by date, with undated letters last. Enclosures (e.g. programs and the like) are kept with correspondence where the association with a letter is obvious. Envelopes and slips of paper with notes in FHJ's hand, containing identifying or explanatory information, are also included in this series. Correspondence to/from others is arranged alphabetically by author.

The papers include notes by FHJ (handwritten lists of correspondents, possibly written at the time of donation); handwritten notes, printed brochures, invitations, and membership lists from the Hartford Philharmonic Society and Hartford School of Music. Also included are the Memoir of Helen Hopekirk by Josephine F. Allen (Mrs. B.P. Clark); music programs and fliers from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York; newspaper clippings, mostly from Hartford newspapers; and photographs.