The Ruth Slenczynska Collection documents the life of the child prodigy, from her early childhood through her career as a concert pianist, and eventual position as Artist-in-Residence for Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. The types of materials in the collection include newspaper clippings, photos, music programs, personal correspondence, hand written performance notes and manuscripts, and compositions written by students and colleagues. The material is organized in chronological order by type of material.

Box 1 contains newspaper clippings which include various accounts of her life and her performances around the globe, from the childhood to adulthood. These newspaper clippings are arranged in chronological order beginning in 1933 through 1994.

Box 2 contains music programs which start with some of her earliest performances in the 1940's. The programs continue in chronological order from the 1950's to the 1990's. Included in the programs are brochures from Slenczynska's master classes on piano.

Box 3 contains the personal correspondence including early letters to and from music agents and includes letters from Arthur Fielder, conductor of the Boston Pops, and the world-renowned pianist, Arthur Rubinstein. Included in this correspondence between musician and agent, are all receipts for promotion and touring expenses.

Box 4 contains photographs which include various personal photographs and other promotional photographs at and away from the piano, photographs of Slenczynska on the traveling circuit with and without her father, photographs of Slenczynska with her first husband, George Born, and Slenczynska as Artist-in-Residence for SIUE.

Box 5 and Box 6 contain the performance notes and manuscripts which vary in topic. Some fo the performance notes and manuscripts which vary in topic. Some of the performance notes are rough drafts for her articles that were published in both Clavier and Keyboard magazines. A handwritten manuscript for Ruth's book entitled Music at Your Fingertips is included, as well as a completed published copy. Also included is a typed letter by Slenczynska's father, Joseph Slenczynski, on her practice methods.

Box 7 contains music written by students and colleagues and is organized in alphabetical order by the last name of the composer.

Box 8 contains Ruth Slenczynska's personal scrapbook which includes various clippings, music programs and photographs.

Box 9 and Box 10 contains several newspaper articles, duplicates, and assorted concert flyers and programs.

Box 11 contains audio and visual recordings of Slenczynska'a various performances, recitals and an interview.

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