This collection contains the papers of the Whittredge family including business papers, shipping papers, correspondence, bills, and journals. The collection is arranged into three series.

Series I. Thomas C. Whittredge Papers contains the business and personal papers of Thomas Whittredge. This series is broken down into three subseries. Subseries A. Shipping Papers: Edward (Brig), arranged chronologically, contains the papers relating to said brig, which was owned by Thomas Whittredge. These papers include an account book (1823-1829), cargo manifests, current pricing papers, port fees, invoices, shipping documents, and consulate papers. These papers come from around the world, but focus mainly on ports in Brazil (i.e. Rio de Janeiro and Bahia) and Salem, Massachusetts. Subseries B. Financial Records contains a ledger (1814-1828) and the bills, invoices, and receipts collected by Thomas Whittredge and his family from 1816 to 1858; these include purchases made, services rendered (i.e. medical attention, piano lessons), and utilities (i.e. water). Subseries C. Correspondence includes the letters written to and from Thomas Whittredge while at home or at sea. Correspondents include Whittredge's many business contacts from around the world, and his father, Thomas Whittredge, Sr.

Series II. Charles E. Whittredge Papers contains the personal papers of Charles Whittredge. This series is broken down into three subseries: Subseries A. Correspondence; Subseries B. Journals; and Subseries C. Ephemera. Subseries A. Correspondence includes the letters written by and to Charles Whittredge. The major correspondents in this series are Susan Whittredge (mother), Frank Kennedy, Chas Sanders, and C. E. Lord. Subseries B. Journals contains the diaries kept by Whittredge between 1878 and 1886; the diary from 1885 is missing. Subseries C. Ephemera includes pamphlets distributed by groups detailing the dance numbers performed at events. These come from different halls located in Massachusetts, particularly Hamilton Hall, Creamer Hall, and Papanti's Hall. It also contains invitations received by Whittredge to attend weddings, christenings, and social gatherings. Other items included are newspaper clippings, tickets, various writings, and a passport.

Series III. Whittredge Family Materials contains the family materials related to the Whittredge family (including Henry, John, Caroline, and Lucy Whittredge). These items include deeds, estate papers, newspaper clippings about tax information, wills from several family members, genealogical papers, and copy books of Caroline and Lucy Whittredge.