The Daniel Putnam papers include materials from approximately 1849 to 1948 that document the career of Michigan State Normal College professor and President Daniel Putnam. Materials include records produced by Putnam as a professor and an administrator, as well as records regarding his legacy on campus.

The Daniel Putnam papers have been arranged into two series: Educational materials and Publications and Scrapbooks. Additionally, there are three folders that contain Putnam's biographical materials and obituaries, clippings, and materials related to his role on the City of Ypsilanti Common Council.