U.S. History Research Guide

Learn the difference between primary and secondary sources in this short video (3:17 min).

Examples of Primary Sources:

• Letters, diaries, autobiographies, oral history, manuscripts
• Speeches, personal narratives, interviews
• Newspaper articles written at the time of the event; photographs
• Government documents, hearings, reports, statistical data, trial transcripts
• Original research (research studies published in academic journals)
• Works of art, literature, music
• Artifacts, tools, clothing, furniture, coins

Secondary sources interpret or analyze historical events. They are generally at least one step removed from the event. Examples:

• Scholarly or popular books
• Reference books
• Textbooks
• Journal articles