This fonds consists of correspondence, copies of articles, and manuscripts relating to the book "Here Was Vinland" (Sault Ste. Marie, 1939). It also includes family papers and miscellanea. The correspondence includes letters from C.E. Brown, L. Burpee, Dr. T.P. Christennen, Dr. K. Christofferson, J.E. Dodd, A.J. Erikson, E. Greenaway, Judge A. McComber, the Smithsonian Institute, V. Stefannson, and others.

The fonds is organized into 3 series: Correspondence; Articles and manuscripts; and Family papers and miscellanea.

This fonds consists of Norman Townsend's original research material, including extensive field notes, of the Pokomo people of Tana Irrigation Scheme, Kenya; research papers by Norman Townsend (& others); university course outlines & lecture material; bibliographies; correspondence with researchers, universities, and the Canada Council, etc. as well as maps, especially of Africa.