Fonds consists of papers that reflect Elizabeth Beaton's work at the Beaton Institute and personal academic research. The materials included cover a wide variety of topics concerning Cape Breton history, especially ethnicity. Beaton's work contains extensive research on Whitney Pier's West Indian population.

Item is a reproduction of a newspaper article about the United Negro Improvement Association band on Laurier Street in Whitney Pier; members are marching in the street with instruments and banners in support of a movement advocating "Africa for the Africans."

Item is a photograph of the Muggah home and property. The family is in the yard as well as horses. Two people are riding on a carriage pulled by a horse.

Item is a photograph of a large wedding party, including the bride and groom.

Item is a photograph of male members of a Polish band.

Item is a photograph showing a group of members of a Polish Society. Members not identified.

Item is a photograph depicting two Polish couples seated at a table.

Item is a series of articles written for The Montreal Daily Star about the iron and steel industry in Sydney, N.S.

Item is a memorandum for Holy Redeemer Church in Whitney Pier, N.S.

Fonds consists of the personal materials of Paul MacEwan, founder and leader of the Cape Breton Labour Party from 1982-1987 and former member of the Nova Scotia Legislature for Cape Breton Nova from 1970-2003. Included is correspondence, subjects files concerning healthcare and agriculture, press releases, and papers related to the New Democratic Party and Cape Breton Labour Party.