The collection, which documents all aspects of Berlin's life and career, contains music scores and sketches, many in the hand of Berlin's longtime musical secretary Helmy Kresa, Berlin's handwritten and typewritten lyric sheets, and scripts that span Berlin's career in theater and films. The personal correspondence includes items to and from his wife Ellin, while the professional correspondence relates to Berlin's various show business interests. The legal and financial files contain personal business records as well as papers pertaining to Berlin's various companies, copyright and permission issues, publishing concerns, and legal cases. In addition, the project files include clippings, publicity and promotional material, correspondence, scripts, financial and legal documents, artwork and other materials from Berlin's musicals and films. The subject files contain documents relating to various business interests, including ASCAP and Berlin's Music Box Theatre, and personal items relating to his family and private life. The collection also contains scrapbooks filled with press clippings; photographs; awards and honors; and artwork and realia.