Materials in this collection include research papers, news clippings, research reports, newsletters, government documents, research notes, memos, bibliographic cards, correspondence, maps, photographs, slides, negatives, audiotapes, videotapes, and artifacts. They range in date from 1965-90.

This collection contains newspaper clippings, newsletters, photographs, maps, guide books, certificates, color slides, reports, pins, membership cards, and other memorabilia. The material dates from 1927-1997, but the bulk of the material dates from 1951-1974. The material was collected by Orville Wright Crowder and relates to his tour and preservation work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Much of the materials consist of maps of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio.

Collection contains materials related to Thomas Hahn's involvement in the C&O Canal Association, as well as other canals related to the C&O, and canals in general. A large part of the collection consists of photographic negatives, slides and prints of the C&O Canal. Most of these photographs, negatives, and slides relate to illustrations in publications that he authored or co-authored. Other items include reference material for his books, correspondence, and maps.