The Hearth and Heather Club was founded in 1922 by several families in Ames, Iowa. Its purpose, as noted in its first meeting minutes, "was to bring a small group of families...into closer fellowship, with the end in view that they might not only have the companionship and pleasure of their social meetings, but that...they might render service to the community at large. The name Hearth and Heather refers to the interests of the group both inside and outside of the home: home, church, and community. The group met about five times a year and also had programs, skits, and entertainment that included their children. In addition to their involvement in the Hearth and Heather Club, the women were bringing up their children, keeping house, doing volunteer and church work. The men were involved with their work as teachers, businessmen, administrators, and researchers. Many of the members are remembered as having made lasting contributions in their profession.

The collection (1922-1993, n.d.) contains skit scripts, rosters, letters, programs, minutes, scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, and photographs. These records document the activities of the Club, and provide information about their meetings and entertainment and also include memorabilia and photographs of the members. There are also membership folders that contain news clippings and other items about the families involved in Hearth and Heather: the Browns, Cunninghams, Davidsons, Eichlings, Horns, Kildees, McDonalds, Picketts, Plagges, and Willises.

The contents give a valuable insight into the social history of the Ames community. The material shows a way of life in a Midwestern college town, the manner in which these people created their own fun and amusement, and how they expressed and nurtured their friendships and at the same time pursued their careers.