The History series includes a brief biography of Henry Russel in various draft forms by a past Henry Russel Lecturer, Dr. Edward H. Kraus. A short biographical sketch of Dr. Kraus is in the same folder (the Edward H. Kraus papers contain further information).
The Administrative series includes minutes, correspondence, publicity, and lists. The scattered minutes of the Henry Russel Lectureship Committee cover the years from 1971 to 1985. Correspondence files of the Henry Russel Lectureship Committee, spanning the years 1955 to 1989, document changes in the operation of the functions of the organization. In 1970, there was an increase in the stipend provided for subsequent lecturers and award winners. In 1973, the taxation regulations for such awards changed, affecting the Lectureship to a degree, which is described in one folder in the collection. The correspondence files also contain nominations as well as order of exercises for the award ceremony for some years. Also included is material documenting the 1986 Henry Russel Lectureship Research Committee plans for reorganization. The publicity files include documentation of the effort to promote the Henry Russel Lectureship's prestige and coverage outside the University of Michigan's community through newspaper articles and press releases.
The series, Nomination Files, contains names and background material of past nominees and recipients of the Henry Russel Lectureship. These files are arranged chronologically and cover the years from 1973 to 1994 and 1999. These dates represent the year in which the nomination was made, but may also include nominations carried over from previous years. Information about persons who were nominated in more than one year is found in a file for the most recent year in which they were nominated. Some letters of recommendations are included. The series also includes the names and background material, including letters of recommendation, for the nominees and recipients of the Henry Russel Award. These files are also arranged chronologically and cover the years 1991 to 1999.