The records are manuscript volumes. Included are two volumes of minutes, dating 1856-1876, with a gap during the 1862-1866 period (internal evidence suggests that the Board did not meet during these years of war and federal occupation). In addition to the proceedings of Board meetings, these volumes also contain copies of various committee reports, financial reports, and narrative reports of the superintendent. These latter reports include the names of those being admitted and discharged, the medical condition of the inmates, the names of individuals to whom inmates were indentured, details of the work performed by the inmates, etc.

Also included is one volume of records of releases from the Boys' House of Refuge, 1866-1867. This brief, 4 page volume records indentures as well as releases. Individual entries show name of inmate, date of release/indenture, name of party authorizing release, and the name & address of the person to whom the inmate was released or indentured.

The last volume in this record group is a journal of expenditures of the Board of Commissioners, 1867-1868. Entries are by month, and give date, name of payee, and a description of the item for which payment was made. Expenditures are given for both the Boys' and the Girls' institutions, listed separately.