The papers consist of writings, correspondence, research files, notebooks, printed material, photographs, family papers, and other papers documenting the life and work of Charley Shively. Writings, correspondence, and research files document both Shively's academic work as a historian and his work as a gay rights activist and publisher. Documentation of Shively's work as a publisher includes extensive materials related to the Boston-area gay newspaper Fag Rag, which Shively co-founded, including submissions, correspondence, and business records. Printed materials include many publications concerning the gay community and activism.