The material of the Herman A. Fischer, Sr. Family Collection was likely given to the Wheaton College Special Collections by Raymond P. Fischer, son of Herman Fischer, Sr. Most of the information in this collection spans the years from 1858 to 1934, although it includes several pieces from before 1800. The material is divided into several main categories, each related to Herman Fischer, Sr., his wife Julia Waters Blanchard Fischer, or one of their children. Other categories include Untitled Material, Secondary Material, and Material Files.

The Herman A. Fischer, Sr. files are divided into the categories of private papers; publications; correspondence; diaries; financial, legal, cartographic, and photographic records; memorabilia; and secondary material. Much of the information to be found in these materials relates to Herman Fischer's family life, his work at Wheaton College and his involvement in the Wheaton community. Information about Herman Fischer's death can be found among the secondary material in this category.

The materials concerning Julia Waters Blanchard Fischer make up the bulk of the entire collection. The letters to Julia Fischer fill twelve boxes and span the years from 1863 to 1933. (All correspondence in the Herman A. Fischer, Sr. Family Collection is placed in chronological order for each family member.) Other sub-categories are private papers (mostly handwritten essays), publications, diaries, financial and legal records, artwork, memorabilia, and secondary material. The secondary material details Julia Fischer's involvement in the temperance cause.

Materials related to eleven of the twelve Fischer children (those living to adulthood) have similar sub-categories. Among them are personal essays, correspondence, report cards and, in several cases, legal records.

Untitled Material contains anonymous sermons, essays, poems, petitions and artwork. The Secondary Material is comprised of information about the Blanchard and Fischer families, miscellaneous newspaper clippings and programs, invitations and correspondence not to or from the Fischer family. The oversized material mostly consists of material previously listed among members of the Fischer family, but also includes several maps of Wheaton. Material Files include a coin collection and two pieces of jewelry.

A more detailed account of the contents of the Herman A. Fischer, Sr. Family Collection may be found in both the Series Description and the Container List.