Series I: Correspondence, 1836-1936, undated, inclusive

Series I: Correspondence is arranged chronologically by type of correspondence, including general, family, correspondence from a specific person, and correspondence on a single subject.

Series I: Correspondence contains a wide array of correspondents and recipients. General correspondence contains a wide range of subjects, though Margaret Sage stands out as a frequent author and recipient. Family correspondence contains letters to and from Gould family members, particularly her brother Frank Gould. Correspondence regarding Jay Gould mainly contains reminiscences of Jay Gould from friends and relations in response to Helen's efforts to gather information about her father. Correspondence regarding Joseph Wheeler contains letters from the congressman regarding Helen's Congressional recommendation. Correspondence regarding the Y.M.C.A. and soldiers contain both official letters from administrators in the Y.M.C.A. organizations as well as personal letters from individual soldiers. Finally, correspondence regarding the donation of artwork contains a series of letters to and from Helen regarding her personal donation of artwork to various institutions.

In general, the earliest correspondence contains more intimate letters sent to and from Helen and her parents and friends, particularly Margaret Sage. Later correspondence is more formal, mostly relating Helen Miller Gould Shepard's philanthropic and religious work.