This series consists of general correspondence from 1957 to 1986; NAACP correspondence from 1957 to 1979 and NAACP publications from 1962 to 1974; honors, awards, and certificates bestowed on Mrs. Bates from 1957 to 1981; memorabilia including 1948 and 1956 Arkansas campaign literature; copies of sworn affidavits taken from 1957 to 1960; copies of resumes and speeches; magazine articles and reprints concerning the 1957 crisis; and National Democratic Party campaign materials from 1964.

Subseries 1. Correspondence Files, September 1957-May 1986.

Subseries 2. NAACP Correspondence and Publications, 1962-1974.

Subseries 3. Honors and Awards, November 1957-July 1981.

Subseries 4. Memorabilia, Speeches, Affidavits, Magazines, Partial Typewritten manuscript of memoirs, National Democratic Party materials.