The JoAnn Kramer papers date from 1941-2004 and measure 12 linear inches. The papers are arranged in five series: Biographical, Education: University of Iowa, Professional, BRAIN of Iowa, and Audiovisual.

The Biographical (1952-2004) series consists of general information, a homemade book of marriage advice, and a 4-H Club Member’s Record book compiled by JoAnn Schmidt Kramer when she was in middle and high school.

The Education: University of Iowa (1968-2004) series contains school papers written by Kramer and other class materials, copies of the department newsletter Major Matters, school programs, graduation materials, and alumni information.

The Professional (1941-1973) series consists of the 1941 Iowa Plan of Physical Education, newspaper articles covering Kramer’s work, letters, and a staff manual for Camp Ingawanis, Conestoga Council of Girl Scouts, Waterloo, Iowa. Also included are guides and other resources used for teaching health for girls and physical education.One textbook is included in this series: Growth through Play by Albert Farina (1959). Five additional textbooks are shelved in Iowa Women’s Archives printed works: Physical Education in the Elementary School (1951) by Winifred Van Hagen; Individual Sports for Women (1956) by Dorothy Ainsworth; Physical Education for Children (1958) by Elizabeth Halsey; Function of the Human Body (1959) by Arthur Guyton; and Social Games for Recreation (1959) by Evelyne Borst.

The BRAIN of Iowa (1982-1990) series has copies of the newsletter “Brainstorming,” informational pamphlets and letters, and newspaper articles covering the activities and successes of BRAIN of Iowa. Also included is Kramer’s appointment by the state governor to the Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities from 1990 to 1993.

The Audiovisual (1955) series includes one videocassette and one vinyl record. The vinyl record is titled Dance Technical with Mary Woolridge as the pianist. The videocassette is titled “Yarn about a Kitchen” and features Irene Kramer, Jerry Kramer’s mother. Iowa State University engineers filmed her cooking a favorite meal while red yarn tracked her steps around the room. They then remodeled the kitchen and filmed the same sequence in the more efficient space. The film was shown in high schools around the state.