An archival record can be:

• A textual document like a letter, a report or meeting minutes
• A visual document like a photograph, map or architectural drawing
• An audio document like a tape recording of music or oral history interview
• A multimedia document like a home movie
• A digital document like an email

The important thing to remember about any kind of archival record is that it is a primary
source of historical information.

A primary source is a record created or collected by an individual, organization or institution to document a particular event, activity, idea or decision.

Some examples of primary sources include: letters and diaries; government, church, and business records; oral histories; photographs, motion pictures, and videos; maps and land records; and blueprints.

These archival records/primary sources provide unique opportunities for exploring and understanding history.
By examining the primary sources stored in any archives, one can begin to see why history attaches importance to specific dates, names and places. At the same time, you may find information related to these dates, names and places that you would not be able to find in any history textbook.