This collection contains personal, professional, scholarly, and teaching material from sociologist Everett C. Hughes, including material from his time at McGill University, the University of Chicago, Brandeis University, and Boston College. The personal materials include a large amount of materials pertaining to Hughes's family genealogy, particularly the Cherringtons, on his father's side. There are also a number of autobiographical reflections on topics such as Hughes's developing understanding of race. The professional materials include correspondence with colleagues, as well as materials pertaining to Hughes's involvement in professional associations, and awards and recognitions for his contributions to the field. The scholarly materials include published and unpublished articles and notes, especially on the sociology of race and ethnicity, occupations and professionalization, and institutions. The teaching materials cover Hughes's time at the University of Chicago, McGill University, Brandeis University, and Boston College, though most of the materials are from Boston College courses. These include topical bibliographies, lecture notes, assignments, and other materials.

The collection also contains a small amount of material from sociologist Helen MacGill Hughes, Everett Hughes's wife, such as correspondence, book reviews, notes, and awards.