Historical

Sources

Primary Sources
A primary source is a first-hand or contemporary account of an
event or topic. Primary sources are the most direct evidence of
a time or event because they were created by people or things
that were there at the time or event. These sources offer
original thought and have not been modified by interpretation.

Examples :
Primary sources are letters, manuscripts, diaries, journals,
newspapers, speeches, interviews, memoirs, documents
from government agencies, photographs, audio and video
recordings, research data, objects, and artifacts.

Secondary Sources
A secondary source is one that was created
later by someone that did not experience
firsthand or participate in the events in
which the author is writing about. Secondary
sources often summarize, interpret, analyze
or comment on information found in primary
sources.

Examples
Common examples include: Books, articles,
documentaries that synthesize information on a
topic. Synopses , descriptions of artistic works,
biography, encyclopedia, and research analysis.
.