Dr. Penny Serafina Petrone (1925-2005) taught at Lakehead University's Faculty of Education. She was also an author, researcher, and traveller. The records reflect her research on Indigenous literature and culture and on the history of education in Canada; her writings including memoirs, personal records, and records of travel.

The records are divided into series as follows:

• First Nations Literature and Culture (First People First Voices, 1983; Native Literature in Canada, 1990)
• Inuit and Arctic Literature and Culture (Northern Voices, 1988)
• Isabella Valancy Crawford (research supporting thesis)
• Memoirs, biographical, and family materials (Breaking the Mould, 1995; Embracing Serafina 2000)
• Travels (Europe, USSR, Asia, South America, North America)
• Speeches, reviews, articles, and lectures
• Education & teaching
• Canadian writers
• Travels (Uganda, China)