Dear Fellow Researchers, Primary Documents are generally considered to be those written at the time of an event, or by a person present at an event. However, even Primary Documents are subject to errors. Here is a preliminary list of primary documents: Birth Certificate Baptismal Certificate/ Dedication Certificate Diplomas for various schools, colleges or universities Marriage License Death Certificate Certificates of Appreciation. School Report Card School work / notebook School Annuals Pay vouchers made out in hand writing by teachers seeking payment of Boards of Education (early 1800-1930's) Photographs of family gatherings /family members Floor Plan of each house in which one has lived, with spaces identified Photographs of family home/car/pets Family Bible after date of publication of that book Driver's license Passport Enlistment papers for military Muster Cards for military Discharge Papers for military Diaries or Journals Account ledgers in original handwriting Letters with envelops, if possible V-Mail Photocopy of Employment Application/ or Original Application Telegrams Census Ledger or Microfilm. Program of Baptism, Wedding, or Funeral Objects which belonged to the individual. Almost Primary Documents: Birth announcements in newspapers, with complete bibliographic details Wedding Announcements / Descriptions from newspapers with complete bibliographic details. Obituaries/Funeral announcements in newspapers with complete bibliographic details. Newspaper articles of personal interest, with complete bibliographic details. Newspaper articles of business or political interest with complete bibliographic details. Advertisements for personal business with complete bibliographic detail. Who's Who Books Telephone Books City Directories Material in Family Bible before the copyright date of that book E-mails I invite anyone to add to this list by using a Subject Line of "Primary Source: ......." Examples: "Primary Source; Artwork" "Primary Source: Needle Crafts" Please include a description of who did the source and how you used it in your research. Sincerely, Mary (FAY) Nelson 9