|
<Primary Source Home
<Module 1 Home
Module 1: What are primary sources?
|
In general, vital records are those records that are absolutely essential for an organization to continue functioning, and they are defined differently by each individual organization.
Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are considered vital records for society, and they are maintained for a very long time in public institutions and used for genealogical research (research into family histories) as well as other research projects.
In the course of one’s life, any record that has very long-term and significant value could be considered vital, such as the title to one’s home, a birth or marriage certificate, a social security card, or a diploma.
p. 5/15
|
This diploma was earned in 1929. (Click to enlarge image).
|
