The Mary Kramer papers date from 1900 to 2015, with a majority of the material from the period 1974-2015, and measure nine linear feet in 22 boxes. The papers are arranged in seven series: Iowa General Assembly, Local and Partisan Activism, Ambassadorship, Political Photographs and Video, Professional, Speeches and Writing, and Family History.

The Iowa General Assembly (1990-2004) series holds materials relating to Kramer’s time serving in the Iowa Senate. The bulk of the series is made up of correspondence between Kramer and political action committees, constituents, and other legislators; it also contains memoranda, newspaper clippings and other publications, photographs, and a name tag.

The Local and Partisan Activism (1997-2005) series consists primarily of materials relating to Kramer’s participation in George W. Bush’s 2000 presidential campaign, including several pins. There are also materials relating to the Republican National Convention of that year. The series is completed by materials that pertain to local Des Moines organizations and issues Kramer was involved in.

The Ambassadorship (2002-2007) series holds records of Kramer’s time as the Ambassador to Barbados, including invitations, photographs, and correspondence. The majority of this series consists of materials documenting events Kramer attended.

The Political Photographs and Video (1990-2006) series is made up of photographs, both paper-based and digital, as well as digital video, of Kramer’s tenure in the Iowa General Assembly, her involvement in Republican party politics and organization, and her time as Ambassador.

The Professional (1975-1999) series relates to Kramer’s employment at Younkers and Wellmark. Included are newspaper clippings, awards, and correspondence. Materials from professional conferences Kramer attended and spoke at complete this series.

The Speeches and Writing (1982-2015) series contains speeches Kramer gave throughout both her corporate and political careers, as well as materials relating to Kramer’s memoirs.

The Family History (1900-1993) series consists of genealogical research into Kramer’s paternal (Barnett) and maternal (McElhinney) families. Included are autobiographical writings by family members, photographs, newspaper clippings, and family trees.