The Domestic Economy curriculum introduced sewing classes at Iowa State College (University) as a part of the Domestic Economy curriculum in 1879. The textiles and clothing curriculum was administered by the Household (Domestic) Art Department in the Home Economics Division, when major work in Textiles and Clothing was offered (1919). In 1924, the Department of Textiles and Clothing was established.

The Department combined with two others (Family and Consumer Science Education and Studies, and Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management) to form the Department of Apparel, Educational Studies, and Hospitality Management (2001). In 2005, the Department became part of the College of Human Sciences, which was created by the merger of the College of Family and Consumer Science and the College of Education.

This collection (1940-1951) contains radio scripts from radio shows, mostly Homemaker's Half Hour, which was broadcast over WOI Radio and sponsored by the Department of Textiles and Clothing. The other radio shows are not named in the scripts. The shows focused on pattern usage, design, and construction technique; dressing for work and fashion advice; and general fabric care and laundry tips. Most of the bound scripts come with a title page listing the author/speaker and title(s) of the speech.

The collection is arranged in chronological order.