The resources listed in this guide are direct access points to primary documents or collections of primary sources, but remember that a fundamental concept of historical research is the discovery of primary sources through the use of secondary and even tertiary sources. The bibliographies, reference lists, works cited, or notes sections of academic monograph and journal article should contain either direct citation of primary sources or secondary source pathways to primary sources.
Image source: John Carter Brown Library at Brown University
Primary sources are first-hand accounts of an event or time in history. They are considered original sources that have not yet been interpreted, analyzed, or evaluated by another person.
When you are looking at primary sources, keep in mind these questions: