The Edith Reed Atkinson papers date from 1935 to 1997 and measure 2 linear inches, with the bulk of the materials dating from 1986 to 1997. The papers consist primarily of biographical information and correspondence, along with a few performance programs and announcements, a badge and ribbon, a small amount of material relating to the 1997 Woman of the Year Award (Linn County Women's Equality Day), and a photograph.

The biographical information consists of newspaper clippings and publications, most of which include feature articles about Atkinson. Correspondence consists primarily of letters and cards of thanks that Atkinson received from individuals following her performances and lectures. Two feature profiles about Atkinson, one of which appeared in a 1940 edition of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, may also be found in this material, accompanying the June 22, 1990 letter from writer James De Long to Atkinson.

A badge and ribbon indicating Atkinson's participation as a speaker in a 1992 Senior Issues Conference is included in the collection. Materials documenting Atkinson's receipt of a 1997 Woman of the Year Award as part of Linn County Women's Equality Day are comprised of an award-notification letter, a newspaper clipping that previews the event, and a flyer. The event commemorated the 77th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. A photograph dated 1935 of Edith Reed Atkinson performing with her brother, Cecil A. Reed, constitutes the remainder of the collection.