This series contains the chronological correspondence files of the Office of the Bicentennial, which was led by Richard B. Powell, David Loth and James L. Malfetti. There is also correspondence from, or received by, Dean Lawrence Chamberlain as chairman of the Committee on Convocations and Public Ceremonies and most of the correspondence between conference chairmen and conference participants. However, the 1955 Status of the Files (see under Series V, Index and Instruction for Files) notes that the Chron Files "have been thoroughly culled so that what remains is of possible significance for history, or validation of records." The largest amount of correspondence relating to the Bicentennial which is not represented in this collection is that of the Public Information Division which was under the direction of the Office of Development. Those files can be found in the Columbia University Bicentennial Collection (MS#0251).

This series contains materials related to the conferences and convocations held during the Bicentennial Anniversary year. There are transcrips and papers from the conferences and RSVP correspondence for the convocations. These materials were collected and/or transferred to the Columbiana Collection. Materials are organized by event date.

This series contains the files from the Office of the Bicentennial. Materials are organized alphabetically.

Printed materials refers to press releases, programs, newsletters, menus, seating charts, newspaper clippings, invitations, tickets, as well as published radio program transcripts, journal issues, discussion guides, speeches, and even the history of the Bicentennial year. This series contains materials collected by and/or tranfered to the Columbiana Collection. Milton Halsey Thomas, the Columbiana Curator, served on the Bicentennial Public Relations Committee. This series also includes the Guest Book for the Bicentennial year and materials related to the special convocation in honor of the neighborhood's tradesmen and vendors. Materials are organized alphabetically.

In each Subject File, there is a page (or pages) with the dates and brief descriptions of the contents of correspondence pertaining to that particular subject which can be found in the Chron Files. In addition, the subject folders contain "selected materials helpful to an understanding of the details for a particular activity. These materials may be duplicated in the Chronological File, but finding important items relating to one activity assembled in one place is of considerable help to search and research." The subject files are in alphabetical order, with the materials in each file in chronological order.