Fonds consists of correspondence with authors and colleagues, teaching materials, conference and speaking engagements, drafts of his dissertation, works by the author, and three scrapbooks.

The collection reflects the diverse collecting interests of Eric Harvie and consists of materials from many different sources. Much of the material reflects western Canadian history and military history. It includes many isolated items bearing autographs of statesmen, military leaders, and other famous people.

The collection consists of Stand Off colony records: recording of church service (1963) and singing (1971); photographs (1940s-1964); recorded interview with Jacob Walter on early history of colony (1971); sketches of early buildings; ethnological study, recorded observations and films by Dr. Karl Peter on colony life; microfilm of early religious writings (ca. 1550s-1560s), chronicle of Hutterian history (1527-1665, 1947- 1960), and legal agreements with government authorities (1782-ca. 1960) (predominantly in German); articles of association for Stand Off colony (1924-1956); and genealogy of Jacob Walter family (in German). Also consists of records from a number of southern Alberta colonies, especially Red Willow: German songbooks (1800s-1955, and some microfilmed from 1696-1825); medical book (1612, in German); microfilm of religious writings (1696-1875); recorded songs and interviews; and photographs (1961-1964). Includes microfilm of correspondence between Russian Hutterite colonies (1800s).

The fonds consists of personal correspondence; manuscripts of his memoirs; his military writings; and extensive awards and recognitions (scrolls, addresses, etc.) presented to him.

The fonds consists of journal of daily occurrences at York Factory (1786-1789); McLeod's Lake post journal (1845-1848); Qu'Appelle Lake post journal (1857-1858 [typescript]); Fort St. John post fur account book (1909-1911); minutes of Northern Department council meeting (1883); and diary of Mr. Robinson, secretary of HBC commissioner, Joseph Wrigley, about 1887 trip to Alberta and Saskatchewan HBC posts (photocopy). Includes Fort Vermilion post balance sheet (1888); invoice from York Factory to Swan River District (1852); Fort Dunvegan daily account book (1891-1899 [photocopy]) and line of credit (1888); correspondence with French about claims to Hudson Bay (ca. 1687 [microfilm]); James Keith NWC and HBC papers (1802-1851 [microfilm]); Arthur Dobbs papers about HBC and search for Northwest Passage (1683-1752 [microfilm]); statement of account with Wesleyan Mission (1841-1842); statement of account with Russian American Fur Co. (1843-1844); anonymous diary kept during 1852 flood of Red River; letter from William Hemming Cook (1802), letter from Hugh Inkster (1801), letter from William Smith (1839), John Willes stock sale (1832).

The collection consists of diaries, letters, memoirs, reports and other records created by these individuals involved in searches for the missing Franklin Expedition, as well as other explorers who were contemporaries of Franklin

The fonds consists of correspondence, literary manuscripts (The Three Marys, When I was a Child, His Hour or Two, Mine Inheritance, Triumph, What's Past is Prologue, Family Album, The Staff at Stimsons, A Candle in the Rain, Tales of the Black Flag, Hands Up, Brothers in Arms, Under Which King, Island of Arran, The Transplanted, Once Upon a Time, The Garricks of Renfrew, Dead Men's Bells, The Flying Years, etc.), reviews of books, publication agreements, scrapbooks, newspaper clippings and family photograph albums. Includes Pauline's diaries (1947, 1959, 1961) and correspondence. Also includes material collected by Frederick for research purposes: ration ticket of Cree, Mechawayis of the Sweet Grass band (1885), and newspaper clippings about Sitting Bull, Sioux uprisings, etc. (1890s).

The fonds consists of personal and family correspondence; business correspondence pertaining to his position as postmaster, his affiliation with the Presbyterian Church and Pharmaceutical Association, and his appointment as coroner; correspondence and enquiries relating to his writings; his notes, poems, articles, radio broadcasts and manuscripts, including drafts and reviews of When the West was Young; diaries (1885-1887, 1937-1941) and travel journals; newsclippings and articles on Western history, people and places; indexed scrapbooks and notebooks; and programs, certificates, and greeting cards. Includes family photographs and photographs of his travels, ranching scenes, Alberta personalities, Lethbridge, Fort Macleod, and Waterton. Includes 1876-1887 Fort Whoop-Up bill-heads (some signed by David Akers), collected from the site by Higinbotham; and an article by Nellie McClung set at the Higinbotham home.

The fonds consists of diaries of travel and observations in western Canada.

The collection consists of photocopies of Metis genealogical research material collected by Burtonshaw from such sources as Library and Archives Canada, various libraries and churches, and personal contacts. Includes a complete run of "The Metis Newsletter" as well as Metis Researcher lists compiled by Burtonshaw. Burtonshaw's personal memoirs "I Remember" are included. Also includes photographs of Manitoba and Geoff's hometown of Valpoy, Barkerville and the Cariboo country of British Columbia, Fort Simpson, Hay River, Nahanni, Batoche, the Fidler family reunion, etc.