What is a primary source?
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. Some types of primary sources include:
- ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations 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
Search by keyword for Primary Sources in the Library Catalog:
- charters - correspondence - diaries - early works - interviews - manuscripts - oratory - pamphlets - personal narratives - sources - speeches - letters - documents