The Nissen papers date from 1936 to 1996 and measure 10 linear inches. The papers are arranged in two series: Biographical sketches and Scrapbooks, which consist primarily of biographical sketches of the Harold and Wilma Nissen family of Walnut, Iowa, written by Eleanor Nissen Bell, and of the family's ancestors. The scrapbook and biographical sketches are a useful source on women's club activities, farm life, illness and medical practice in the mid-twentieth century, and offer an extensive history of a family, in particular the women.

The Biographical sketches series is comprised of biographical sketches of the Nissen family, primarily written by Eleanor Nissen Bell, and accompanied by photocopies of photographs and newspaper clippings. Those represented include her parents, Harold and Wilma Nissen, her husband Bob Bell, her sisters Phyllis Chenault, Trudy Marks, and Joan Kriedeman, her great-great grandfather and grandmother Nissen, and her great-great grandfather and grandmother Price. A letter written by William "Bill" Bell on November 3, 1988 from Europe to his mother, Eleanor Nissen Bell, concerning hissearch for their ancestors is filed at the end of this series.

The Scrapbooks series consists of photocopies of three scrapbooks compiled by Eleanor Nissen Bell. The first documents the life of her mother, Wilma Nissen, and contains personal writings by Wilma Nissen, newspaper clippings, photographs, and magazine articles on 4-H, women's clubs (including the Iowa Federation of Women's Clubs), and rural women's activities.

The 4-H Activities scrapbook records Eleanor Nissen's involvement in the East Pottawattamie County Iowa 4-H club from 1936 to 1942. Included are copies of questionnaires, record books, club programs, snapshots, and newspaper clippings. The Scottish Highlanders scrapbook documents Eleanor Nissen's activity in the University of Iowa's Scottish Highlanders from 1943 to 1947. This scrapbook contains copies of snapshots and postcards from tours as well as newspaper articles regarding the group.