The collection is composed of surveys done between 1936 and 1939 focusing on historical events and documentation in southwest Michigan done by the Works Progress Administration. Counties included are Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Saint Joseph, and Van Buren.

Historical topics also are included like the plank roads and the Alphadelphia Association. Also included are WPA personnel records, travel vouchers and instructional material. Also included are WPA personnel records, travel vouchers and instructional material. Additional surveys include Alphadelphia Association records, church records, Grand Army of the Republic records, and newspaper records.