The Irving family collection is one of the oldest manuscript collections in the city archives collection as it was initiated upon the acquisition and opening of Irving House Historic Centre in 1950 by the City of New Westminster and the Native Sons and Daughters of B.C. Post #4. The Irving Family Collection is unique among the Manuscript Collections of the N.W. Museum and Archives because it was collected with the intention of forming the primary documentation source to interpret the history of Irving House and the Irving family. The collection that has been assembled is large and diverse as it is an artificial amalgamation of several disparate private record groups accessioned over many years. This collection of record groups is integral to the operation of the museum's interpretive and research programs for Irving House and remains an open collection in order to integrate future additions.

In 1989 museum staff organized the various donations of archival material related to the Irving Family into one physical location within the Museum building for the purpose of maintaining one collection. All photographs were numbered and indexed as one collection with the prefix IFP [Irving Family Photograph]. The Irving family collection was arranged and described in 2006 into five family groups representing the different branches of the Irving Family created by the children of Capt. William and Elizabeth Irving: John Irving family, Mary Irving Briggs family, Susan Irving Cox family, Elizabeth Irving Spencer family, and the Nellie Irving Chandler family. There are also two other records groups: Other Sources and Photographs. Each item or file represents separate donations from various descendants and others to the archives. Provenance of this collection's items with known accession numbers has been noted where documented.

The collection consists of taped interviews with people giving their earliest recollections of times and events in Port Moody and area.

The collection consists of sound recordings of interviews with pioneers and long-time residents of Princeton and area.

The fonds consists of a financial report (1942) and a list of residents who contributed to the addition at Speedway Hall and had their names inscribed on bricks on the north wall of the Cedar Community Hall.

The collection consists of photographs of individuals, families, scenery and buildings in the Armstrong-Spallumcheen area.

The fonds consists of records kept by the Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce and its predecessor the Enderby Board of Trade. Includes minutes, financial reports, correspondence, publications, and reports and the Constitution and Certificate of Incorporation of the Chamber of Commerce. The minutes and correspondence reflect the major concerns and issues of the community.

The collection consists of photographs of Esquimalt and area depicting individuals, families, businesses, community institutions (including schools) and groups, and events. Collection includes photographs of marine-related industry (including shipbuilding) and of naval and other military facilities and activities.

The fonds consists of programmes for the Woodstock Festival of Music spanning the years of formation till its 50th Anniversary.