The collection is comprised of papers, images, and objects collected by or given to Emily Hartwell and her family. The collection spans the years 1800-1949 with some undated materials. While missionaries in Foochow, China, Hartwell and her family collected objects and other materials depicting Chinese culture. Parts of the collection are written or printed in Chinese.

The Lucy Stearns Hartwell series spans the years 1852-1853. It is comprised of a journal describing her journey to China as well as biographical information.

The Emily Hartwell series spans the years circa 1880s-1930s. It is comprised of biographical information, correspondence and descriptions of objects she donated to Wheaton College as well as the objects themselves, images of her and the Foochow Mission, and other writings, most of which are in Chinese.

The Yenching University series was received from the Religious Association in 1966 and contains images, maps, and an annual report from Yenching University. This series contains records before 1949.