Topics addressed in many interviews include education, medicine, and race relations in New Bern. Numerous interviewees discussed the social aspects of school, integration of the public schools, the establishment of Craven Community College, their years at New Bern High School, or the education of women. The practice of surgery during the Depression, a pediatrics clinic for indigents, technology in medicine, and medical care for African Americans are discussed in many interviews. Another issue addressed repeatedly is that of race relations, including conditions for blacks in New Bern after World War II, the role of blacks in city government, and the civil rights movement. Transcripts of the interviews and related materials are filed alphabetically by the name of the interviewee.
Most files contain pictures of the interviewee.
Some also contain clippings or other material. Tapes of the interviews are housed separately. The tapes are numbered as received, with the prefix T-4751 added. Tapes are listed in parentheses next to the interviewee's name.