The records of the Division of Electricity and Modern Physics and its predecessors relate to the Division's responsibility for electrical artifacts. Included is early correspondence, primarily of George C. Maynard, but also including J. Elfreth Watkins and Carl W. Mitman, concerning the inventions of Alexander Graham Bell, Samuel F. B. Morse, Alfred Vail, and inventors of dynamos and incandescent electric lighting; correspondence of more recent curators with manufacturers of electrical equipment, donors of artifacts, and historians and researchers concerning dates and patents of electrical equipment, objects in the Division's collection, and exhibits, particularly on early electrical appliances; reading files; annual reports and plans of operation; exhibit files, consisting of scripts, photographs, correspondence and memoranda, and floor plans, primarily for the Hall of Electricity; and requisitions.

The earliest artifacts relating to electricity date to 1885, with collections forming part of the Section of Steam Transportation, Department of Arts and Industries. In 1889 the Section made a significant acquisition when it acquired the original Alfred Vail telegraphic receiver. George C. Maynard curated the collections during most of this early period, serving in various capacities from 1885 until 1918. For a history of this unit and its successors through the early years of the Division of Engineering, see record unit 297.