Contains JDM's correspondence with friends and family members, as well as some professional contacts who shared a personal relationship with the MacDonalds. Correspondents are filed alphabetically by last name (if available - first name or initial if not). When searching for a particular correspondent, it is recommended to search under both first and last names (including variations on nicknames), as many letters are not formally signed and are, therefore, difficult to identify. Correspondents who are particularly important or with whom there is a large amount of material are filed in their own individual files.

Contains correspondence and biographical information about JDM's family members and military service, as well as material pertaining to personal property (homes, boats, etc.). There is also a large section of medical correspondence, records, obituaries, and condolence letters. Calendars, address books, and other incidentals also are included.

Contains Dorothy's personal correspondence, materials relating to her paintings, and a number of notebooks and quote collections.