The fonds consists of monographs, scientific articles, newspaper clippings, letters, slides, photographic prints, moving images, maps and other documents. The records are arranged in 3 series, reflecting Ellis's research and teaching interests: Environmental assessments, 1969-1997; Underwater Photography of salmon, 1957-1963; Arctic Research 1952-1967.
Fonds consists primarily of photographic prints, negatives and contact sheets of historic buildings and properties - preparatory material for Franklin’s co-authored publications on Victoria’s architecture. The fonds is arranged in four series: photographs - Victoria: A History in Architecture, 1843-1929; photographs - Exploring Victoria’s Architecture; architectural drawing - East School elevation (Lord Strathcona School), Vancouver, BC, 1897; and publications and printed matter.