Fonds consists predominantly of the historical writings of Rhoda Beck and also includes a notebook that belonged to Samuel Drake and a notebook and scrapbook (related to the Princess Royal Settlers) of historical information compiled by Maria Devlin.

The fonds consists of photograph negatives and prints of the Nanaimo region as well as personal records of Leslie Englefield.

Fonds consists of material generated and accumulated by John Cass in his role as unofficial Nanaimo historian. The fonds is arranged in the following series: 1) Correspondence; 2) Manuscripts; 3) Research files and 4) Newspaper Clippings; 5) and Photographs.

Collection consists of pen and ink drawings of the following: 610 Selby Street (Beck Residence); 755 Terminal Avenue (Wardill Residence); 28 Front Street (Tom Brown's Autobody); detail of 28 Front Street; 102 Fry Street Young Residence); 2 images of the Miner's Cottage known as the Rowbottom Residence (at 100 Cameron Road); St. Paul's Church; 279 Selby Street (Gilbert Residence) detail; 17 Church Street (Great National Land Building) detail; 673 Selby Street (Sullivan Residence) detail; 133 Milton (Wood Residence) detail; an Eagle's Hall detail; a doodle that appears to be a likeness of a petroglyph; and two homes on Cranberry Avenue. The drawings were created by Hofman for the Heritage Commission's publication Columns, Cornices and Coal (1998).

Fonds consists of records created and accumulated by Martha A. Kenny, including correspondence; family photographs and documents, an autograph album (1886), booklet of favourite quotations, a diary, drafts and manuscripts of historical writings including "Notes on Early Days in Nanaimo", "Some of Nanaimo's Early Buildings" transcripts of Cornelius Bryant's journal and letters, numerous articles written by Beth Greenwood and a catalogue of her collection of Indian artifacts. Fonds also includes six scrapbooks, primarily of clippings of historical events but also including one of seaweed specimens and one of dried flowers.

Fonds consists of the personal papers of the McGill and Cunningham families. Fonds is arranged in the following series: 1) Photographs; 2) Certificates; 3) Correspondence; 4) Sketch book and art work; 5) Diaries and 6) Miscellaneous.

Fonds consists of building proposals, a feasibility study, minutes, reports and notes related to the development of an arts and conference centre.

Fonds consists of records related to the governance and activities of the Nanaimo Historical Society. Fonds is arranged in the following series 1) Executive records; 2) Sound recordings; 3) Nanaimo Local History Research group records; 4) Speeches and historical writings; 5) Register of residents; and 6) Photographs.

The fonds consists of constitution (1863-1864), cashbook (1878-1886), Debating and Elocution Class minutes (1880-1891), and minutes (1880-1885). The minute book for the Debating and Elocution class also records rentals of the Hall by community groups (1887-1892).

The fonds consists of minutes, including constitution and bylaws, and list of initial members of Nanaimo Silver Coronet Band, also known as the Nanaimo Junior Brass Band. Minutes occasionally note rates of pay and some music played.