The Emma J. Harvat papers date from 1921 to 2001 and measure 2.5 linear inches. They include photocopies of numerous newspaper articles about Harvat's mayoral term published in the 1920s in the Iowa City Press-Citizen, the San Francisco Examiner, Punch of London, The Evening Star of Shanghai, and her obituary published in the Iowa City Press-Citizen. The articles describe Harvat's business background, her political platform of ridding the city of bootlegging and gambling, and the decisions she made as mayor.

Additional newspaper articles and correspondence dating from 2000-2001 chronicle the efforts of a group of Iowa Citians to rename the city council chambers after Harvat, and declare August 25th Emma Harvat Day. The group was successful in 2001. The collection includes flyers, invitations, biographical information on Harvat, and announcements about the dedication as well as drafts of the script used in the ceremony. An interview with Carl Stach, the nephew of Harvat's business partner May Stach, reveals his early memories of Harvat. Photographs of Harvat, May Stach, and the home Harvat shared with Stach complete the collection.