This collection consists of two subgroups: personal materials and research files.

Henry Elwood's personal files consist of biographical materials; general correspondence (1935-1992) concerning his research interests, his teaching career, and his military service; one court case (1947); income tax returns (1946-1957); teaching contracts (1937-1981) with Flathead County schools, Flathead Valley Community College, and the University of Montana; and miscellany, including World War II military service papers, sample teacher examinations, and tourist materials.

The research materials fall into two series: subject files on a wide variety of topics, predominantly having to do with the Flathead Valley, but also including statewide materials; and writings by Elwood, his junior high and high school students and others, including a few reminiscences and oral history interviews.