The SDSU Historical Collection documents the university's history from its beginnings as a normal school through its transition to a state college. The collection dates from approximately 1897-1956, with the bulk of the documents created prior to 1935. It consists primarily of paper records including correspondence and financial records. The collection documents the relationship between students, administrators, and Vice President W.F. Bliss during the school's early years. The collection also documents student enrollment and attendance; the school's financial stability; programs and invitations including Dedication Day and May Day festivities from 1903-1935; student activities and organizations; and faculty involvement with administration. It has been divided into four series: Administrative Records, Faculty Records, Student Organization Records, and Artifacts.

The Administrative Records document the university's progress from its inception as a normal school to its transition to a state college in 1935. Records from 1898 to the 1930s are extensive; records from the 1930s to 1956 are also included. The series covers a wide range of subjects from the school's students to its finances, as well as board of trustees records, Vice President's (W.F. Bliss) correspondence, university programs and the campus library. Included in this series are groundbreaking programs celebrating the move to a new campus in October 1929. The series is divided into five sub-series: Office of the Registrar Records, Financial Records, Board of Trustees Files, Vice-President's Correspondence, and Library Records. Some of the series are organized alphabetically; others are organized chronologically.

The Faculty Records consist of materials created by and for the school's faculty members. Materials in this series date from 1898-1936. This series documents faculty activities by department, class, term/year, and program. Significant to this collection is a copy of Admetus: A Thessalian Fantasy by popular English professor and one time Vice President of the college Irving E. Outcalt. The series is divided into five sub series: Instructor Term Reports, Faculty Meeting Minutes, Course Schedules, Academic Programs, and Faculty Information. Some of the sub-series are organized alphabetically, and others are organized chronologically.

The Organizations series consists of materials documenting student and other organizations on campus from 1899-1952. It documents the various activities of different student organizations on campus during the first 50 years of the school's existence. The Associated Students in particular are extensively documented. The records are organized alphabetically by student organization name.

The small Artifacts series includes memorabilia from 1931-2004. These ten artifacts are predominantly from the college's early years, and include such items as official seals and university apparel.