14 student papers, written for a freshman course taught by Professor Mary Beth Norton and based on interviews with family members, describe the students' families, and detail childrearing practices across the generations; gender roles; educational background and expectations; and ethnic and religious attitudes, particularly for Jewish, Catholic, and Chinese families.

Papers documenting Norton's research, teaching, and writing including topics such as the American Revolution, colonial America, Early American women and gender and the Salem witch trials. Also includes items relating to her work with history related professional societies and organizations.