The Geneva Handy Southall papers date from 1960 to 2004 and measure 3 linear inches. The papers are arranged in two series: Biographical and Professional. The Biographical series includes a biographical sketch of Southall, along with articles and newspaper clippings about Southall, her obituary, memorials and tributes, and an oral history interview conducted by Kathryn Neal for the Iowa Women's Archives at the University of Iowa in 1998.

The Professional series contains copies of Southall's two books on African-American pianist, composer and former slave Thomas Greene Wiggens, known as "Blind Tom," including advertising and reviews for The Continuing "Enslavement" of Blind Tom - Book II, recital programs, and a letter nominating Southall for the 1988 Distinguished Teaching Award in the College of Arts and Letters at the University of Minnesota.

The Professional series also contains several audiocassettes of Southall performing (1959 and 1962-1963), and a 1982 studio recording of her performance of the music of pianist and composer Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggens.