This collection has few official documents on the formation and function of the Symphony, such as constitutions, minutes, financial statements, annual reports, etc. Nor does it contain much actual music. Since the bulk of the music performed by the organization and its guest artists are not compositions by local artists, it is not necessarily appropriate to retain it in a local history collection. However, any recordings by the Grand Rapids Symphony, music composed for the symphony, or composed by local composers and/or orchestra members, are of interest for inclusion in the collection. Libretti, as well, are of interest, if associated with local and Michigan artists.

The collection presents primarily the public face on the activities of the organization, such as the programs, information on the conductors, and other ephemera, as received.

Included is the “Chronicle of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra,” compiled by Glenn B. Litton, True McDonald and others, which covers the years 1917 to 1989/1990, and documents the roots of the contemporary Symphony in the St. Cecilia Orchestra, organized in 1917-1918. Also received from McDonald’s estate is a GRSO Record Book. The scrapbook of former conductor, Carl Karapetian is included in the collection, as well as a sampling of histories, organizational documents, building program information, and newsletters. The largest portion of the collection is the series of programs, from as early as the 1930’s to as recent as 2004/2005.

Only one sound recording from the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony ca. 1970/1971 is currently included. No musical scores exist in this collection. Some original photos are included. But, most images in the collection are copy photos from the Robinson Studio Collection. Most of these images were used in the Grand Rapids Public Library GRHSCC Grand Rapids Symphony 75th Anniversary Online Exhibit, 1930-2005.