The collection includes snapshots taken during the Sesquicentennial events. Two rolls of film (24 and 36 exposures) were taken by staff from the city of Grand Rapids Community Enrichment office. Edited reprints were later made of several of the images. The original envelopes are included in Box 1. Negatives are also included, although they do not appear to be comprehensive.

The snapshots include many of the events during the week, such as the birthday cake, dedication of the sesquicentennial tree in Veteran's Memorial Park, the 5k run/walk, the antique car show, Civil War re-enactment and an ice sculpture. Several images also show billboards and signs posted around the city.

Locations depicted in the images include Ah-Nab-Awen Park, the Monroe Mall Amphitheatre and pedestrian mall, the walkway to the City Centre, US-131, Veterans Memorial Park, Michigan Street (Federal and State buildings) and Monroe Avenue (Hall of Justice).