The Newspaper Clippings series covers McNamara's political career from 1962 until the end of investigations against him and his staff in 2007. This includes various events in his political life, including his election in 1970 as City of Livonia mayor and Wayne County Executive in 1987, measures he tried to implement in the various offices he held, the end of his political career in 2002 and his death in 2006.
The Biographical Materials series includes a copy of the manuscript of McNamara's biography, and biographical notes written during various periods of his political career. This series also includes memories collected by his family, friends and political acquaintances, compiled after McNamara's death. The folder on the Dedication of the Edward H. McNamara Terminal includes letters written to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners supporting the motion to name the new airport terminal after McNamara by various state legislators and other important people in Michigan, including Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, Governor John Engler, and Detroit Regional Chamber President Richard E. Blouse, Jr.
The Political Career series includes speeches and campaign materials of McNamara, as well as polls and reports taken of his constituents as Wayne County Executive. This series does not include any correspondence.
The Visual Materials series includes three folders of photographs, 21 videocassettes (VHS) and 4 digital recordings. The photographs are of various subjects, including his family, friends and political acquaintances. Of special note are photographs of McNamara with Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, with President Bill Clinton, and with Presidential candidate Richard Gephardt. The videocassettes, digital recordings include McNamara's campaign TV and radio spots, scattered episodes of the Brooks and Ed Show (with L. Brooks Patterson and Ed McNamara), the annual Leadership Policy Conference held on Mackinac Island, several State of Wayne County addresses, various interviews throughout his political career, the ground breaking and dedication ceremonies of the Edward H. McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport, and miscellaneous news broadcasts. The videotapes available in Box 3 are VHS unless otherwise specified.