The papers of Mark D. Van Ells are divided into two series: Papers and Photographs.
Papers (1981-2001) consists of materials that document Van Ells' career as an historian as well as his time in the Air Force. A large component of this series relates to Van Ells' researching and writing of a history of the Wisconsin County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO). Correspondence relating to the project, questionnaires filled out by current and retired CVSOs, the written history, and several conference papers provide substantial information about the organization. Other writings document his research on German-Americans in Wisconsin prior to World War II and for the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Another large portion of this series consists of flyers, handbills, and posters that Van Ells collected in Madison, Wisconsin during the 1990's. These papers protested several United States military actions, including Bosnia, Haiti, Somalia, and Kosovo. The majority deal with the Persian Gulf War, 1990-1991. These flyers present the alternate view of a relatively 'popular' war. Materials from Van Ells' time in the Air Force include his enlistment and discharge papers, certificates, papers relating to his education received in the service and afterwards through the G.I. Bill, and some letters he wrote to his family. There are also several emails Van Ells exchanged with friends and students regarding their reactions to the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.
Photographs (1982-1991) contain several shots of Van Ells in Air Force uniform, both alone and in groups. There are also three photographs of the Madison 'Salute to the Troops' parade, held on July 6, 1991. The photos show protesters holding signs in the background.
