Primary Sources
Context Creates Primary Sources
What makes something a primary or secondary source is not so much about when it was created, but rather its purpose in the course of your historic investigation.
Primary Source Definition
Usually, 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.
Types of Primary Sources
Original Documents
- Excerpts or translations are acceptable. Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records.
Creative Works
- Poetry, drama, novels, music, art
Relics or artifacts
- Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings
Examples of Primary Sources
- Diary of Anne Frank - Experiences of a Jewish family during WWII
- The Constitution of Canada - Canadian History
- A journal article reporting NEW research or findings
- Weavings and pottery - Native American history
- Plato's Republic - Women in Ancient Greece
