This collection of various historical materials collected by the Columbia University Physics Department includes photographs and negatives of faculty members, faculty biographical information, images of related buildings and grounds, correspondence between faculty members and others, publications, information concerning guest lecturers in the department, as well as materials used in exhibitions and presentations depicting the department's history.

A collection of personal papers of Elizabeth (Betty) Blake, who was very active in both the Columbia and broader Manhattan communities, consisting primarily of correspondence, meeting agendas, minutes, and Columbia University memorabilia.