The Elizabeth Lindsay Tatum Papers date from 1900 to 2006 and measure 2.5 linear inches. The papers are arranged in four series: Biographical, Correspondence, American Friends Service Committee Reports, and Memoirs.

The Biographical series (1950-2006) includes a biographical information sheet filled out by son Steven Tatum and a number of letters written by Lyle Tatum and others in the wake of Elizabeth Tatum's sudden death in 1964.

The Correspondence series (1948-1967) contains a number of letters Elizabeth Tatum wrote to friends and family, both prior to and during her residence in Rhodesia. Also included are letters Lyle Tatum wrote to his family in the period when he was in Africa before his family joined him, and letters his son Steven wrote to family members in Iowa.

The American Friends Service Committee Reports (1960-1964) consist of newsletters entitled "AFSC Africa Report" written by Lyle Tatum and others for congregations in the United States. Also included are informal reports by Lyle Tatum about his activities and about the political situation in Africa.

The Memoirs series (1996-1997) contains a memoir by Lyle Tatum regarding his rejection of the draft and imprisonment, and his father Elmer Tatum's memories of his youth in rural Iowa.