What are primary sources?
A primary source is a first-hand account of an event or time period that was created by the participants or observers. Primary sources enable historians to stand as close to the past as possible without actually being present at the event.
Examples of primary sources include:
- Original documents such as letters, manuscripts, diaries, speeches
- Autobiographies & memoirs
- Artifacts from researched time period such as clothing, tools, etc.
- Records from governmental agencies & non-governmental organizations
- Photographs and other audio-visual materials
- Newspaper articles & books that are contemporaneous to the time under study
- Maps
- Court cases
Guide to Primary Sources (below)
How to find primary sources
Recommended Resources
- Ancient and Medieval History
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Covers five ancient civilizations-Africa, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Mesoamerica-from 3 to 5 million years ago to flourishing cultures in 600 CE. Includes selected historical documents, primary sources, illustrations and maps. - Milestone Documents in World History
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Primary source documents in world history. Includes an analysis of all full text documents. If you experience any accessibility problems with this resource including color contrast, alt-text, or keyboard navigation please contact a librarian for assistance.
- World Digital LibraryThe World Digital Library is a project of the Library of Congress, UNESCO, and libraries around the world. Many historical documents with explanations of their significance can be found.
