Scope and Contents: The Biographical, 1916-1973 series contains an autobiography of J.A. Udden as well as notes on the Udden family. There are many tributes and memorials following his death, including the dedication of the Lindahl-Udden memorial on May 5, 1950. There are letters to members of Augustana alumni asking for pledges to establish an Udden Memorial Fund as well as a list of the faculty committee appointed to write a tribute. Also included is a biographical essay written by a history student at Augustana.
The Correspondence, 1879-1931 series contains letters between J.A. Udden and the Udden family, F.M. Fryxell and Joshua Lindahl as well as two folders of business correspondence.
The Research and Publications, 1873-1912 series contains Udden's publications from 1891-1924, including original manuscripts.
The Illinois Earthquake, 1909 sub-series contains Udden's observations of the earthquake that shocked Illinois on May 26, 1909. Also included are newspaper clippings about the event as well as maps of the affected area.
The Miscellaneous Manuscripts are Udden's notes, rough drafts, and charts (materials are not arranged due to their fragile condition). The Academic, 1875-1913 and 1987 series contains speeches and lectures given by Udden at Augustana College. It also contains his grade book, 1875 commencement programs and information about his flying machine, the Rotopter.
The Artifacts series contains sieves used by Udden in his fieldwork.