The Esther Dendel papers date from 1922 to 1996 and measure 2.5 linear feet. The papers consist of biographical information, a book, the Denwar Workshop, an oral history, a scrapbook, and photographs.

The biographical information(1953) consists of a letter written by Esther Dendel's mother, Grace Stanton Sietmann, to the University of Iowa Libraries, in response to a request made by the Special Collections Department for biographical information about Esther Dendel.

The book (1948) is about Denwar Ceramics and consists mainly of photo illustrations of the processes involved in creating the Denwar Dinnerware.

The Denwar Workshop (1988), a history of how Denwar Ceramics became a workshop and studio for education, was written by member Rosita Montgomery.

The oral history(1996) consists of seven audiocassettes shelved in the audiocassette collection and a transcript of the interviews. The oral history was done by Kathy Sulentic, a student at the University of Northern Iowa, and focuses on Esther Dendel's relationships with family and friends in Iowa, Liberia, and California.

The scrapbook (1922-1940 and undated) consists of photographs, letters, and newspaper clippings concerning Esther Sietmann's 4-H club membership and college life.

The photographs (1943-1945 and undated) are of the Dendel home in Costa Mesa, California and of art from Liberia.