This collection of various materials relating to the poultry industry spans a period of nearly 150 years from 1849 through 1998. Material from two of the earliest organizations devoted to the study of poultry through research, the International Association of Instructors and Investigators (1908) and the American Association of Instructors and Investigators in Poultry Husbandry are included. In addition, much material relating to the American Poultry Association (1873) is part of the collection.

Another interesting part is the collection of advertising brochures from 223 hatcheries and breeders (1903-87), 81 feed companies (1888-1975), 47 veterinary products manufacturers (1887-1981) and many poultry equipment manufacturers (1903-85). Much material from poultry associations and personal correspondence relating to them is included.

John Louis Skinner served as Professor Emeritus, Department of Poultry Science at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin.