The Rosa Knutson Gangestad papers are undated and measure 1 linear inch. They consist of the "History of the Helge Knutson Family" in various forms: Rosa Gangestad's handwritten drafts of her reminiscences, photocopies of the original drafts, and an edited version by Rosa Gangestad's daughter, Clara Helena Gangestad Liljedahl, with a postscript by another daughter, Isadore Gangestad Oppedahl. According to Clara Liljedahl's daughter, Margaret Liljedahl Wagner, Clara rewrote her mother Rosa's reminiscences to correct the English grammar. Margaret Wagner also states that it was her brother who asked his grandmother to write a family history..

The "History of the Helge Knutson Family" consists of stories and letters Rosa Knutson Gangestad wrote to describe her family's history and life in nineteenth century Iowa. The draft is divided into three chapters describing Knutson family history and Gangestad's general life, a section titled "Indian stories," and a section titled "Dear Grandchildren." Gangestad wrote about harsh weather conditions, encounters with wild animals, and other aspects of pioneer life.