Finding Primary Sources
The resources listed in the "Recommended Primary Sources" are just a sample of the many library resources that contain primary sources.
See also the "Recommended Article Databases" tab, and remember to check bibliographies, reference lists, works cited, or notes sections of the books and articles that you read, many of which will contain other sources to check.
"Interior of a Boiling House" Antigua 1833
Image source: John Carter Brown Library at Brown University
What Are Primary Sources?
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:
- What evidence was created?
- what is it asking?
- why was it created?
- what can it tell you?
- what can't it tell you?
- What evidence was saved, and where?
- What is missing?