The collection includes Peterson's personal papers relating to his activities and interests, consisting of his correspondence and writings, as well as printed material and papers collected by him. The material is arranged alphabetically by activity, organization, or subject. Much of the printed material regarding civil rights in Mississippi has been separated to the Social Action Vertical File.
Most of the papers deal with the events occurring on the University of Wisconsin campus during the late 1960s and early 1970s. There are files concerning the anti-Vietnam war movement, student demonstrations against the Dow Chemical Corporation (manufacturers of napalm for the Vietnam war effort), the local and national chapters of the W.E.B. DuBois Clubs of America, the TAA and its general strike of 1970, and the History Students Association. Included are general records of the TAA, such as policy statements, printed memos, notes and writings of Peterson's, material on contract negotiations, and instructions to striking TAs.
His fragmentary notes on political activities at the University of Wisconsin, 1966-1969, also deal with anti-war and other efforts. Peterson's interest in other radical groups is illustrated by files on SNCC, SDS, SCLCC (including records of the Provisional Student Civil Liberties Coordinating Committee), and socialist groups in Wisconsin and Iowa.
Writings by Peterson describe his reactions to the situations in Wisconsin and in Mississippi. Also included are notes, bibliographies, drafts, and a final version of an article written by Peterson for the journal Radical America about Communism in the West and the New Left.
