The Bodman Family Papers consist of 24 linear feet of biographical material, correspondence, diaries, financial and business records, genealogical research material, legal documents, memorabilia, photographs, writings, and miscellaneous papers of ten generations of Bodman family members dating from 1687 to 1980. The bulk of the material dates from the 1840s through the 1910s. The papers are an extremely rich source for the study of United States social history, providing a long-term look at an American family.

The earliest material (1680s-1830s) documents rural New England life primarily through financial records and legal instruments. Beginning in the 1830s such material is augmented by family and business correspondence documenting daily life and business ventures in New England and the Midwest.

By the 1880s, with few Bodmans remaining in New England, the geographical center of the papers shifts to New York and the Midwest. For the period 1880-1920, family correspondence makes up a significant portion of the material, while business and financial records appear in much greater bulk than in the preceding generations, particularly in the papers of Edward Cushman Bodman (generation VI). These materials are supplemented with diaries, memorabilia, photographs, writings, and papers relating to the service during World War I of Herbert Luther, Sr., and Theodora (Dunham) Bodman (generation VII).

The largest portion of the material from the period 1920 to 1980 is genealogy and family correspondence. In addition, there are a number of line-a-day and travel diaries, photographs, scrapbooks and other memorabilia, plus personal financial records.

Family history has long been of interest to the Bodmans. Genealogical research material and notes can be found in the papers of Clara Philena Bodman (generation VI), Ida (Berdan) Bodman (generation VI), George Milmine Bodman (generation VII), Henry Edward Bodman (generation VII), Henry Taylor Bodman (generation VIII), and Herbert Luther, Jr. and Ellen-Fairbanks (Diggs) Bodman (generation VIII).

The papers are arranged by generation. Within each generation, papers of individuals, groups of siblings, or married couples are filed alphabetically by first name of Bodman descendant. Where applicable, papers of married couples are divided into three sequences beginning with common property, which is followed by papers of the Bodman descendant and then those of his or her spouse. The material is arranged by type.

Photographs and negatives are filed in separate sequences following the papers. Images of or by Bodmans are arranged alphabetically. Other images are arranged by subject.

Oversize items are stored separately. Removal sheets are filed throughout the papers and a listing of the contents of the oversize boxes is available as part of the folder-title list following.