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History Research Guide

Primary Sources

Primary means: "In the context of academic research or writing: designating source material contemporary with the period or thing studied; designating an original document, source, or text rather than one of criticism, discussion, or summary" ("primary, adj. and n." OED Online, Oxford University Press, September 2020, oed.com/view/Entry/151280.).

Examples of primary sources include:
  • Artifacts
  • Autobiographies, diaries, and journals
  • Census or government data 
  • Interviews
  • Letters and correspondence 
  • Photographs
  • Speeches 

 

These two databases offer primary sources: 

Because of efforts to digitize primary source materials, an Internet search can often yield relevant results. However, exercise caution and discernment when evaluating these results. Besides consulting with your professor, a tool to help you determine if an online source is acceptable is available here.