The Helen S. Sternfels Papers contains the following items:

A number of turn of the century programs and playbills from New York playhouses such as 14th Street Theatre, Academy of Music, American Theatre, Broadway Theatre, Criterion Theatre, Grand Opera House, Harlem Opera House, Manhattan Opera House, Manhattan Theatre, and others.

A series of issues from the Puck and Judge humor and satire magazines, from the late 19th century.

Several souvenir books and song books.

An issue of the New York Times Jubilee Number, September 18, 1901, an issue of the New York Daily Times, September 18, 1851, a souvenir issue of The World Paper, 1903, celebrating the construction of the Williamsburg Bridge, and an issue of Harper's Weekly Journal of Civilization, April 2, 1864, an April Fool's issue on the Civil War with cartoons by Thomas Nast .