The Elizabeth Steel Genné Papers consist of 1.75 linear ft. and are primarily related to her professional and public life, dating from 1952 to 1984. Types of materials include biographical materials, correspondence, minutes, reports, news clippings, notes, press releases, speeches, and memorabilia.

The bulk of the papers date from 1957 to 1980 when Genné was a member of the National Board of the YWCA of the U.S.A., including a term as President, 1973-79. Genné served on a number of committees examining particularly difficult issues during turbulent times for the Association from the 1960s to the early 1980s. There are significant materials generated by Genné's committee work in the College and University Division of the YWCA in the 1950s and 60s. Genné served on the influential Committee to Study YMCA-YWCA Cooperative Experience (1959-60) which worked with Professor Dan Dodson to examine whether the YWCA should merge with the YMCA. The Committee's final report, known internally as the "Dodson Report," urged the YWCA to reaffirm its role as an autonomous women's organization. There are also materials from the YWCA's Teen Sexuality Education Advisory Committee from the early 1980s.

A small amount of material from Genné's work for the YWCA on the local and state level in New Jersey is also included.

The Speeches files include texts, programs, clippings, and correspondence about local arrangements, primarily from Genné's term as President of the National YWCA. They are filed chronologically.