What is a Primary Source?
A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event.
Some types of primary sources include:
Original Documents (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, newspaper articles reporting the event at the time, autobiographies, official records
Creative Works: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art
Relics or Artifacts: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings
Examples of primary sources include:
• Declaration of Independence
• Photographs of Civil War soldiers by Matthew Brady
• Anne Hutchinson's Poetry
• A journal article reporting NEW research or findings
• The letters of Abigail and John Adams
• Newspaper articles published at the time
• Benjamin Franklin's autobiography
What is a Secondary Source?
A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them.
Some types of secondary sources include:
Textbooks, magazine and journal articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries
They Fought Like Demons by Examples of secondary sources include:
