The archival collections document the history of Davidson College from its establishment in 1837 to present day. All official administrative records are housed within the collections, including the official records of the presidents of Davidson College, minutes of the Board of Trustees, academic department files, and faculty committee minutes.

In addition, copies of all College publications are located in the Archives. Researchers will find original copies of the Davidsonian, College Catalogue, alumni journal, student yearbook and Davidson's literary magazines. Information is available on publications such as The Chameleon, Scripts and Pranks, Inklings, and the Davidson College Magazine.

Student life and the importance of extracurricular activities are integral parts of the history of Davidson College. Through alumni donations of scrapbooks, photos, letters and publications, the College Archives has an extensive collection of materials on the history of the student experience. Information can be found on fraternities, eating clubs, Philanthropic and Eumenean societies, and other student organizations. Copies of student honor theses are also housed within the archival collections.

Historic treasures of the college, such as the college mace, class flags and the college bell, are located in the Davidson College Archives. Researchers will find copies of the College constitution and the faculty by-laws. Information on the history of the Davidson Honor Code and the Code of Responsibility is also available to researchers. Alumni may be interested in a collection of materials on the generation of students that attended Davidson College.