The Miriam Canter papers measure 15.00 linear inches and date from 1903 to 2016. The collection is split into four series: Biographical, Volunteer Work, Books, and Artifacts.

Biographical (1931-2015) includes Canter’s family history research and genealogical documents, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and her husband Arthur’s memoir. Included in the newspaper clippings are several articles about her recipes and a reference to Canter’s time during World War II in the Signal Corps, translating and breaking Japanese codes.

Volunteer Work (1986-2016) is a record of Canter’s volunteer efforts in Iowa including several awards and documents from the Cedar Rapids Opera Society, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Hancher Box Office and the Old Capitol Museum.

Books (1903-2016) is comprised of children’s books from her collection and cookbooks that Miriam Canter helped produce. The earliest book is a 1903 copy of The Wizard of Oz. Some of the cookbooks that she wrote or helped produce have associated photographs and newspaper articles. These cookbooks include a collaboration with Grant Wood’s family and those involved in his art and three about Canter’s Jewish faith and heritage.

Artifacts (1944-2010) contains scraps of Italian silk that were used for a wedding dress and parachute, believed to be the silk that Arthur Canter sent to her from Germany during World War II. The series also holds a puzzle and pins related to Canter’s volunteer work.