The Janet Gray Hayes Papers Addition documents the significance of Janet Gray Hayes in local, state and national politics. She was the first woman elected to the office of mayor of a large American city. Hayes was pivotal in popularizing the Santa Clara Valley's reputation as the "Feminist Capital of the World” which drew international attention to San Jose. With her connections to feminist groups such as the League of Women Voters, the National Organization for Women and National Women’s Political Caucus, Hayes kept women’s issues at the forefront of her politics and motivated other women to get involved. Even though she faced criticism and many news outlets referred to her simply as an “argumentative housewife” during her campaigns, she continued in her commitment to improve citizen access to the mayor's office, reducing crime, and promoting controlled urban growth in San Jose. She also aided in the appointment of women administrators in city government and also helped women campaign for other political offices. Janet Gray Hayes retired from political life in 1982 after two successful terms serving as the mayor of San Jose.

The Janet Gray Hayes Papers Addition is organized into six series: Series I: Administrative Files, Series II: Campaign & Election Materials, Series III: Public Relations Files, Series IV: Press Clippings, Series V: Memorabilia (three-dimensional) and Series VI: Personal Materials.