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Primary Sources

What is a Primary Source?
 
A primary source is first hand evidence. It was there at the time of an event. It is contemporary to the period being studied.

Examples of primary sources are:

   • Speeches
   • Letters
   • Songs
   • Legislation
   • Court decisions
   • Journals/diaries
   • Interviews
   • Artifacts
   • Autobiographies
   • Photographs
   • Paintings
 

Gather the information you have about your topic and consider what you still need to know before you start researching, including:

   • Dates
   • Places
   • Names of persons involved
   • Names of organizations, government agencies, societies, etc.
 

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