Materials include photographs from 1934 to 1972 of aircraft built by the Hughes Aircraft Company. The photographs primarily depict the XF-11 Prototype planes and the HK-1 Hercules, otherwise known as the "Flying Boat" or the "Spruce Goose," piloted by Howard Hughes. The photographs also depict the DC-3, XH-17 Flying Crane helicopter, the H-1 Racer piloted by Hughes, aircraft built for Trans World Airlines and Avro Canada, Lockheed planes, and other aircraft piloted by Hughes in various flying competitions.

Materials contain photographs of Hughes Tool Company and Hughes Aircraft Company from 1917 to 1997. The photographs primarily depict factories, laboratories, and tools produced by the Hughes Tool Company. The Hughes Aircraft Company was founded in 1932 as a division of Hughes Tool Company.

Materials contain photographs of Las Vegas, Nevada from 1960 to 1979. The photographs primarily depict properties owned by Howard Hughes after he moved to Las Vegas in 1966, including the Desert Inn, the Silver Slipper, the Landmark Hotel, the Sands Hotel, and the Frontier Hotel. The photographs also include the Spring Mountain Ranch that Hughes purchased for his wife Jean Peters and aerial views of the Las Vegas Strip.

Materials contain photographs from events hosted or attended by Howard Hughes or his associates from approximately 1930 to 1979. The photographs primarily depict banquets and parades held in Hughes's honor.