Series 1, People, includes materials related to specific individuals from within the family of James F. Failing. This series makes up a majority of the papers, and includes photographs, correspondence, scrapbooks, bills, certificates and other personal memorabilia. Also included are documents from the Failing Family Trust of Josiah and Henrietta Failing, as well as materials illustrating James’s arrival in Portland in 1853. The focus is largely on the personal and family life of James F. Failing, rather than his business ventures.

Series 2, Topics, contains materials not specifically linked to an individual, but rather a topic. These include general family trees and history, Portland Academy, and the First Baptist Church in Portland.