The collection consists of papers and photographs created or gathered by Fred A. Granata for historical research. Large sections of the collection concern Granata's research into the history of Italian-Americans in Oregon, including his histories of the Catholic churches St. Michael the Archangel and St. Vincent de Paul Parish's Downtown Chapel in Portland, Oregon. The materials also concern Granata's research on World War II prisoners of war held in the United States, particularly Italian prisoners who volunteered for the American-organized Italian Service Units, such as the 25th Italian Service Unit stationed at the Vancouver Barracks in Washington state. Additional topics represented in the collection include war crimes, with an emphasis on the Nuremberg Trials, Nuremberg Trials judge James T. Brand, and the trial of Tomoyuki Yamashita and prosecutor Robert M. Kerr; the early 20th century trials of Marie Equi and Emma Goldman, and their significance in relation to civil liberties and governmental powers; general research regarding Italy and Italian-Americans; biographical information about Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci; and biographical information about writer Joaquin Miller. In addition to Granata's own writings, drafts, notes, and correspondence, the collection includes large amounts of photocopied materials and web page printouts, as well as some original photographs and documents. The collection also includes books that Granata read for his research.