The series consists of a diverse variety of material created and received by Yalden throughout his academic and professional career. The series is arranged by subject and in chronological order within.
The series contains biographical material including Yalden's curriculum vitae and education and employment records, including appointment certificates and daily diaries, 1948 to 2001; correspondence that includes letters of congratulations, letters of thanks, and brief notes from various politicians and other officials, friends, Canadian newspapers, institutions and universities, 1969-1997; typescripts of an oral history interview of Yalden for the Library of Parliament and the National Archives in the early 1990's and in 2000, the records are arranged in chronological order and the interviews are in three parts, also includes signed agreements and correspondence (LAC holds the sound recordings); documents on special events such as official dinner menus, state funeral service programs of Jules Léger and Marcel Cadieux , credential letters from the Governor General Jeanne Sauvé to his appointment of Ambassador to Belgium and Luxemburg, two guest books of Remembrance Day ceremonies with signatures and each book containing a watercolour illustration, and concert program; and records relating to the honours and awards which were bestowed upon him, such as the Order of Canada in 1998 and promotion to Companion in 1999, an honourary doctorate from the Ottawa University 1982 and an honourary LL.D. from Carleton University in 1998.
The series includes biographies, curriculum viate, course notes, correspondence, copies of printed material, news release, newspaper clippings, itinerary, cards, post card and programs.
The series includes photographs: Yalden's official photographs, n.d., 1970's; events such as receptions in London, England, 1961 and 1969; the Order of Canada ceremony at Rideau Hall, 1988 or 1999; group photograph at the 111th Convocation at Carleton University, 1998; photograph of Queen Fabiola and King Baudoin I of Belgium, 1987. Photos by unknown photographers and by the following identified photographers: Michael Bedford Photography, Ottawa; Tomas Jaski Ltd., London, England; Maillard Studio, Welbeck, London, England; Sgt. Christian Couloumbe, Ottawa; Mike Pinder Photography, Ottawa. The photographs were separated from the textual records for proper preservation storage.
The series includes three caricatures entitled: "Rapport du Commissaire aux Langues Officielles, Malgré tout, je demeure optimiste ....Max Yalden", ca. 1977-1981, by Daniel McKale; "I take it your comment to Human Rights isn't exactly rock solid, Votes, Gay and Lesbian Rights", March 20, 1996, by Alan King; and "Le Commissaire aux langues officielles: le don d'informer pour mieux réformer - The Commissioner of Official Languages : His Mission to inform about Language Reform", n.d. [1977-1984?]., artist unknown.
The series includes two medals, one possibly received when Yalden was Ambassador of Canada in Belgium, entitled: "Antwerpen [Antwerp Belgium Liberation Anniversary Medal], [restrike] 1984, after Josue Dupon; the other possibly received when he was Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission as a keepsake of the international meeting in Paris in 1991, entitled: "Commission nationale consultative, des droits de l'Homme, Rencontres internationales, Paris, 7, 8, 9 Octobre 1991."
The series also includes a textile badge / insignia [replica] which he likely received when Ambassador to Belgium 1984-1987, entitled: "Geheim Leger Armée Secrète, Fraternelle de l'Armée Secrète Knokke-Heist," with symbols used on the armbands and brassards of the members of the Belgian resistance during the Second World War.
