Primary Sources Page

Primary Sources Page

What is a primary source?  It is a source that originates from the time period of the topic being researched.  It is a first-hand account that is documented or recorded by a participant or observer, often created at the same time as the event though sometimes later (as in a memoir or autobiography).  Some examples of primary source materials are diaries; oral histories; government documents; pamphlets; newspaper, periodical or magazine articles; manuscripts or archival materials such as notebooks or letters; maps; music or sound recordings; artifacts; visual materials (art, photographs, prints, film, video); and speeches.  Using a primary source as an example or proof in your research and writing is an effective way to support your thesis.