The Central Files series documents all major NAM initiatives until about 1970. Prior to its move to Washington, DC in 1974, NAM maintained files in a central location. The subseries and file order reflect how NAM maintained the files. It is arranged into fifty subseries according to subject headings created by NAM. The subject headings are denoted by a subject code, 100-A through 100-ZZ and 200-A. Subject code 100-E, files related to Industrial Relations, were removed from the original run of files and can be found in Series XXV, Open Shop Department and Series XVII, Industrial Relations Department.

The subseries are: General files; Memoranda; Advertising; Promotion; Awards; Industrial Environment Division; Biographies; Inter-office bulletins; Business, Industry, Education Day (BIE Day); Chamber of Commerce; International Labor Organization (ILO); Charters; Government Relations Division — Government finance; NAM policy committees; Conventions; Corporate records; Financial records; Education Department; Free enterprise; Films; International Conference of Manufacturers; Science and Technology Department; Council for Latin America; Inflation; Insurance; International Affairs Division; La Follette Committee; Lobbying; Program Planning Division; Conferences, meetings — other than NAM; Membership; Toland, Lt. Ben; Reports; Organizations, foundations, and associations; Personnel; Positions; Public information — public relations; Publications; Radio and TV; Releases; Religion (clergy-industry); Research; Speeches; Taxes; United Nations; United States government; Women’s clubs; National Industrial Council (NIC); Market Development/Distribution Department; and Urban affairs.

This series should be used in conjunction with individual departments series.