View source for Identify a Category of Sources

=== Original Records  ===

[[Choose a Record Type#Original_Records_Choices|Original records]] provide information about events in a person’s life. This includes birth, marriage, immigration, military service, land purchases, and death. Most also document relationships. These records were usually created near the time such an event took place. Based on the information in them, they can be grouped as: 

'''''Vital events.''''' Records of births, christenings, marriages, divorce, death and burial, created by families, governments, churches, or other institutions. 

'''''Residency.''''' Records that show where people lived. 

'''''Property Ownership.''''' Disposition of real estate and personal property. 

'''''Occupation.''''' Records of employment, including military records. 

'''''Immigration.''''' Documents showing the departure, arrival, or citizenship of a person in a country. 

'''''Civil Actions.''''' Records of public or legal transactions such as court records. 

'''''Institutions.''''' Records of organizations or establishments that care for a segment of society, such as a school or prison. 

'''''Special Groups.''''' Records unique to or specifically about religious or cultural groups. 

'''''Personal Records.''''' Records about an individual or family created specifically by the person. 

Original records can: 

*identify relationships between individuals. 
*give primary information about a specific event. 
*verify the accuracy of compiled records. 
*provide information not found in compiled sources. 
*provide biographical details about people.