The Photographs series contains photographs and photograph albums, the majority documenting Dulles's visits around the world as Secretary of State. These photographs depict Dulles being greeted by government officials, press conferences, and official gatherings. The series also includes photographs of Dulles as a student, at United Nations meetings, and portraits of Dulles.

The Awards and Plaques series includes awards received by John Foster Dulles, most frequently in his role as Secretary of State, such as keys to cities and awards from the State Department and business and religious associations.

The Medals series includes medals Dulles was awarded by governments, as well as academic and religious groups, the military, and the New York State Bar, and medals he received for his attendance at conferences.

The Treaty Pens series is composed of pens used to sign defense treaties, the Chinese and Japanese Peace Treaty of 1952, and for the Manila Conference in 1954.

The Memorabilia series is composed of a variety of materials documenting Dulles's personal life and career, including conference programs and invitations, calling cards, travel schedules, buttons and medals, political cartoons and posters, postcards, his baby book, and papers regarding his memorial service.

The Card Files of Names and Addresses series includes card files used to manage Dulles's correspondence and papers while he worked in the Department of State, as well as cards with addresses of Dulles's contacts, including politicians and government officials, businessmen, members of the clergy, and individuals who worked for public service organizations.

The Publications by Others Inscribed to or Marked by John Foster Dulles series is composed of books and government publications with brief notations by Dulles or inscriptions to Dulles from the authors. The majority of the publications pertain to United States foreign policy, peace and treaty negotiations, and the history of the United States, as well as Communism and the Cold War, analyses of different systems of government, and the founding of the United Nations.

The Janet Avery Dulles Files series contains materials regarding her involvement in Dulles's career, especially her travels with him on government business. The files include her writings, schedules, correspondence, clippings, and programs, photographs, and memorabilia from events.