This collection consists of biographical material, clippings, correspondence, art and writings, diaries, membership records, printed materials, legal documents, school records, and numerous subject files related to the interests of the Swaney family. The majority of the material was created by Alexander Swaney and consists of art works, biographical material, correspondence (to his parents, daughter, wife, siblings, and friends), clippings (concerning lifestyle, retirement, and death), diaries (written while overseas), school records (journals and drawings), legal documents and numerous subject numerous subject files. Alexander authored an autobiography, several drafts of which are included in the collection. He also did extensive genealogical research (going back 5 generations), which Alexandra contributed to. Alexander was also very interested in Montana history and Blackfoot culture and conducted extensive research which is compiled into subject files as “Montana History” and “Montana Stories with Willcomb (c. 1931).”

The papers created by Alexandra and Mildred largely consist of art work and writings, correspondence, biographical materials, clippings, diaries, and subject files. Alexandra’s papers include a subject file regarding Ojibwa elder and family friend, Eddie Barbeau.

Also included in the Other group of this collection are six subgroups: Andrew Swaney, Frieda Fligelman, Ingvald Buckneberg, Lillian Michalsky, Shorty Shope, and Tina Buckneberg. Andrew Swaney’s papers consists of correspondence (1881-1941) and biographical material. Frieda Fligelman’s papers are comprised entirely of postcards. The Ingvald Buckneberg subgroup consists of his autobiography. The Lillian Michalsky subgroup consists of an email (2001), numerous sympathy cards, a marriage hymn, and an obituary. Shorty Shope’s subgroup consists of greeting cards, correspondence, and a eulogy by Alexander Swaney (1977). The Tina Buckneberg subgroup consists of one letter concerning her death, a short auto biography, and a painting.