The Larcom Family Papers consist primarily of the correspondence, literary offerings, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia of Lucy Larcom (1824-1893); the correspondence of Emeline Larcom Spaulding (b. 1817); and the correspondence, photographs, and estate records of the Larcom family. This collection has been arranged into two series.

Series I. Lucy Larcom Papers include correspondence between Lucy and her friends, admirers, and professional acquaintances, as well as memorabilia, poetry, and news clippings about Lucy Larcom. This series is arranged into three subseries. Correspondence within the first two subseries includes many of the same individuals in contact with Lucy Larcom. In addition to writing to her mother, Lois Larcom, and her sisters, Emeline Spaulding, Lydia Baker, Louisa Harrington, and Octavia Parkhurst, Lucy corresponded with her brother-in-law, Isaac Baker, and her nephews. Her professional correspondence included Philena Fobes, teacher and principle at the Monticello Seminary in Illinois. Correspondence with friends also included letters from Horrace Currier, John Greenleaf Whittier, and Sarah I. Spaulding. Finally, many of the letters relate to her life as a published author. Subseries A. Correspondence Sent is arranged alphabetically by recipient's last name. Subseries B. Correspondence Received is arranged by the writer's last name. Subseries C. Poetry, Clippings, and Notes include poems, essays, and notes written by and about Lucy Larcom, along with newspaper clippings about her life and of her work. The material in this subseries is arranged chronologically.

Series II. Larcom Family Papers are comprised of correspondence, photographs, estate papers, ships' papers, and genealogical notes concerning the Larcom family. This series is arranged into four subseries. Subseries A. Emeline L. and George Spaulding Papers include correspondence and poetry. Emeline Spaulding is the principle correspondent; she writes to her mother Lois Larcom, her son Theodore Spaulding, and her sister Lucy Larcom. Her letters to Lucy describe aspects of Emeline's life in Illinois and Minnesota, and her attempts to obtain school books and a teacher for the pioneer school. Emeline's husband, George, writes to his parents, describing his family's move out West, and later receives letters regarding the death of his nephew, Charles Harrington. Also included are poems written by Emeline throughout her life. Subseries B. Louisa and Edward Harrington Papers include correspondence, estate papers, ships papers, and an autograph album. The album was given to Louisa by Edward prior to their wedding and includes notes and signatures from friends and family. Correspondence includes Edward writing to his wife about voyages to Buenos Aires and Montevideo, letters from their son Charlie and about his death, and a letter from their son Benjamin Harrington to an uncle. A letter of instruction and accounts regarding the bark Sea Mews outline Edward's involvement with the vessel. Finally, included in this subseries is a handwritten last will and testament of Edward's, along with additional papers, detailing his estate and protections for his wife and family. Subseries C. Lydia and Isaac Baker Papers include correspondence and estate papers of the Baker family. Correspondence includes letters from Isaac to his wife Lydia, detailing his voyage aboard the ship Tarquin, along with letters from Jonathan Larcom to his brother-in-law, Isaac. Estate papers outline property claims between Isaac Baker and his family members after his death. Subseries D. Larcom Family Papers include correspondence, photographs and genealogy notes of the Larcom family. Correspondence includes letters to Lois Larcom along with various other family members and unknown recipients. Photographs are of various family members and of Lucy Larcom's room in her brother Benjamin's house. Genealogy notes include correspondence from a researcher helping with Daughters of the American Revolution membership.