Collection consists of materials related to the personal, professional, and political life of Samuel H. “Sam” Smith. The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence, both personal and professional, and copies of his numerous writings, excluding his four published books. Additional materials include military and educational records, photographs, ephemera, subject files, materials related to various organizations, and audio visual items.

This collection contains correspondence, internal memorandum, proposals, publicity materials, legislative materials, meeting minutes, editorials, and membership lists. Most of these materials are related to Home Rule voting rights for D.C. residents from the 1930s through the 1960s. Organizations mentioned in this collection include the D.C. Suffrage Association, Committee of the 100, Citizens Conference on District Suffrage, and Young People’s Home Rule League.

The materials are primarily meeting minutes of the Women's City Club of Washington, D.C. from 1919 through 1972. Also included are scrapbooks, photographs, clippings, and administrative records which document the Club's founding and activities.