Scope and Contents: Record Group I: Accessions 1-5 The bulk of this record group deals with Mr. Howell's political career, first in Norfolk, Virginia, and, after 1968, on the statewide level as well. The specifically political papers deal with Howell's involvement in political campaigns and Democratic Party affairs. Most of this consists of correspondence, miscellaneous records and campaign materials from his own campaigns for office, especially those for Governor in 1969 and 1973, and for Lt. Governor in 1971. Most of the newspaper clippings, pictorial and sound records, file cards, and speeches concern these campaigns. The legislative material consists of correspondence and reference material directly related to Mr. Howell's legislative activities as a Delegate (1960-1962, 1964-1966) and State Senator (1966-1971). The legal papers consist largely of briefs and correspondence pertaining to Mr. Howell's "political" cases: suits the re-poll tax, legislative reapportionment, the use of federal impact funds, etc., as well as State Corporation Commission hearings and related court suits  regarding requests for rate increases by public utilities and insurance companies. The personal papers are largely personal correspondence unrelated to Mr. Howell's legislative and legal careers.

Scope and Contents: Record Group II: Accessions 6-7 This combined accession consists of correspondence (personal, legal, and political), legal materials and documents, gubernatorial campaign materials, legislative materials, audio-visual items, photographs, and memorabilia. The accession also contains materials belonging to Henry Howell’s wife, Elizabeth (Betty). Her materials mostly pertain to her service on the Norfolk City Council (1974-1992). Materials in regard to Howell’s political campaigns (1969, 1973, 1977 Gubernatorial Campaigns; 1971 Special Campaign for Lt. Governor) take up the bulk and these materials consist of press releases, campaign flyers and pamphlets, campaign operations and schedules, and speeches. Legal materials consist of Howell’s cases against C & P Telephone and the Virginia Power and Electric Company. Audio-Visual materials consist of film and audio recordings pertaining to Howell’s 1969, 1973, and 1977 gubernatorial campaigns. Some of the materials are copies from the Library of Virginia’s Henry Howell Audio-Visual Collection (http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=lva/vi02326.xml) Memorabilia includes various plaques and awards depicting Howell’s service to the community and campaign items including bumper stickers, buttons, and signs.  Other items of note include a framed letter to Henry and Betty Howell, from Lady Bird Johnson, and printing plate depicting “how the Byrd machine works.”