Primary sources are those created contemporaneously to whatever period a researcher is studying. They reflect events as they unfolded (for example, a newspaper article, from the time of a particular historical event). Primary sources reveal how certain topics and ideas were understood during a specific time and place. The particular primary sources you might use in your research, as well as how you find them, can vary a lot based on your field of study.
The Barnard Archives is a great source for materials relating to women's history and American Studies. They have items related to more topics than you would think!
Thousands of libraries, museums, and archives have contributed nearly a million collection descriptions to ArchiveGrid. Researchers searching ArchiveGrid can learn about the many items in each of these collections, contact archives to arrange a visit to examine materials, and order copies.
Coverage includes a wide range of interdisciplinary fields covered in a broad array of humanities and social sciences journals.