A primary source is a record of an event, an occurrence, or a time period produced by a participant or observer at the time. Typically, primary sources include:

• unique documents or manuscripts (letters, diaries, journals, writings, speeches, photographs, scrapbooks, etc.)
• historic records of an organization (correspondence, memoranda, minutes, annual reports, etc.).
• government documents & maps
• artwork & artifacts
• music & audiovisual materials (film, audio and video tape)
• electronic computer files

These resources have been deemed as best bets for starting off any research with primary sources. 

These are additional sources that may useful in locating primary sources, particularly for the research of American Studies.