This series consists subject files relating to general brewing history, alcohol, and other subjects of interest to Ronnenberg. Materials are primarily photocopies of historic newspapers, newspaper clippings, print-outs of web searches, and some beer related ephemera, such as menus and brochures. Subjects of interest other than beer and alcohol, include archaeology and anthropology, american history, european history, asian history. These files are primarily newspaper clippings. Dates pertaining to photocopied materials indicate the date of publishing of the photocopied materials, not the date when it was collected. Materials in this series range from 1862-2015.

This series consists subject files relating to brewers and brewing, primarily in Idaho. It was broken into two sub-series based on the original order. Materials are primarily photocopies of historic newspapers, newspaper clippings, print-outs of web searches, photographs, slides, and some beer related ephemera, such as menus and brochures. Photographs and slides found in this series include historic photographs collected in research, as well as photographs and slides taken by Ronnenberg on his visits to various breweries and towns in Idaho. Some photographs and slides are also taken of beer related materials, such as various beer bottles. Dates pertaining to photocopied materials indicate the date of publishing of the photocopied materials, not the date when it was collected. Materials in this series range from 1861-2013.

This series consists subject files relating to people in the brewing industry in Idaho, including brewers and brewery/pub workers. Materials are primarily photocopies of historic newspapers, newspaper clippings, and print-outs of web searches. These files are primarily newspaper clippings. Dates pertaining to photocopied materials indicate the date of publishing of the photocopied materials, not the date when it was collected. Materials in this series range from 1861-2013.

This series consists of research materials and manuscript drafts for several of Ronnenberg's books. Sub-series were created based upon the publications materials relate to. The books represented include History of the Brewing Industry in Idaho, 1862-1960, The Beer Baron of Boise: The Life of John Lemp, Millionaire Brewer of Frontier Idaho, The Disciples of Gambrinus, Pioneer Mother on the River of No Return: the Life of Isabella Kelly Benedict Robie, Jeanette Manuel: the Life and Legend of the Belle of Fabulous Florence, and Material Culture of Breweries.

There are also materials from what appears to be a few incomplete manuscripts including one on Orlando "Rube" Robbins and one on pre-Columbian brewing. Materials in the sub-series "History of Brewing in Idaho, 1862-1960, may also include materials relating to the publication Beer and Brewing in the Inland Northwest, 1850 to 1950, however, it was difficult to determine what, if any, of the materials belonged to that publication, so all materials pertaining to brewing in Idaho and the Northwest were kept together under "History of Brewing in Idaho". Materials in this series are dated, 1830-2013.

This series includes several scholarly articles written by Ronnenberg, as well as research materials used in writing the articles. Materials also include article reviews, dissertation drafts, class notes from Ronnenberg's time as a student, as well as lecture notes from his time as a professor. There are also, some folders of correspondence, both professional and personal, as well as reference cards relating to beer, and a few unsorted subject files. Included, are a couple of folders of records from The Brewery, the restaurant Ronnenberg owned in Troy, ID. Materials in this series are dated 1918-2014.