The Thomas O'Dea papers span the full breadth of his professional career. There are a few newspaper clippings and other papers concerning his activities as a young communist leader in 1940 but the substantial portion of the collection begins in the late 1940's with O'Dea's education at Harvard. The papers end in 1972.

Handwritten and signed letter, dated February 15, 1832, and addressed to F. C. Whiston of the "customs house." Quincy declines the office of vice president of the "B.D.L."

Contains paper drafts, programs, correspondence, and other materials related to professional conferences in the fields of sociology and religion. Materials date from between 1952 and 1972.

Contains correspondence by O'Dea, primarily related to his academic work and professional service. Materials date from between approximately 1960 and 1974.

Contains correspondence, memorandums, student records, and course materials produced by O'Dea on sociology and religion. Materials date from between 1951 and 1974.