The collection is arranged in series as follows:

Series 1: Audio-Visual Materials

Series 2: Writings and Correspondence

Series 3: Subject and Topic Files

Series 4: Journal Articles, Newspaper Clippings, and Notes

This collection contain records of Phillip J. Obermiller and Thomas E. Wagner related to their joint scholarly work that focused on the areas of Appalachian migration generally and city based Appalachian migrant groups and organizations in particular.

Phillip Obermiller holds graduate degrees in philosophy from the Athenaeum of Ohio and in sociology from the Union Institute. Thomas Wagner holds graduate degrees in urban education and American history from the University of Cincinnati. Among their jointly authored publications are Valuing Our Past, Creating Our Future: the Founding of the Urban Appalachian Council and African American Miners and Migrants: the Eastern Kentucky Social Club.