The National Association of Cosmopolitan Clubs began as a national organization in 1903. Iowa State College (University) began organizing its own chapter in 1907, and was officially admitted to the National Association of Cosmopolitan Clubs, as its tenth chapter, in 1908. The purpose of the club, as stated in its constitution, was to encourage friendship, respect and understanding among men and women of all nationalities. Its motto was "Above all nations, humanity." Membership was open to all students, faculty, and staff of Iowa State University, and members were both from the United States and from around the world. The club hosted a variety of events each year, including international food fairs, talent shows, hayrides, barn parties, international films, and the Myce Baar (coffeehouse gatherings which often included presentations, shows, music and food of a specific country). These events were fun ways to acquaint club members and the community to the diverse cultures of the Cosmopolitan Club's members. Some of the club's activities, such as the food fair, were used to raise money for a cause, such as the club's Kennedy-Nehru Scholarship given to a student "for observable contributions to international understanding." The club also served as a supportive group for international students, and often had orientations for new international students at the beginning of the school year. The Cosmopolitan Club ceased to exist on campus during the mid-1990s. The last year it is listed in the campus directory is in the 1995/1996 school year.

The collection (1908-1992, undated) documents the club's activities on campus, in the Ames community and nationally. The early years of the club are mainly documented by the scrapbook, memory book and event programs. The collection does not have any records from the final years of the club. The records include historical narratives, scrapbooks, financial accounts, constitutions, membership lists, brochures, posters, programs, newsletters, and yearly records produced by the club. The yearly records contain records related to club meetings and events, other campus international clubs and officers, membership lists, university and community events in which the club participated, budget requests, and correspondence with club members, outside individuals, and other organizations. The scrapbooks contain photographs from the 1920s-1940s, event programs, and correspondence. The memory book contains officer and membership lists for the early 1920s and a register where members and/or visitors logged their name, address and comments.

The Cosmopolitan Club's newsletter (April 1959- Winter 1970), the Cosmopolitan Commentary, is located in the University Archives (call number LD2546.2 C67x). Although not all years are represented, yearly budget reports for the club can be found in editions of the Annual Report of Campus Student Organizations, also located in the University Archives (call number LD2546.Io9a c.2).

The collection is organized alphabetically.