Primary Sources  

Photographs

Newspapers

LETTERS: My dear Mr. Stalin : the complete correspondence between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Joseph V. Stalin

Call Number: E807.A4 2005

ISBN: 0300108540

DIARIES: When I was Puerto Rican - Esmerelda Santiago

Call Number: College Reserves: READ Malavade

ISBN: 0306814528

ORAL HISTORIES: Ask & Tell: Gay & Lesbian Veterans Speak Out

Call Number: UB418.G38E77 2007

ISBN: 0807831158

 

Primary sources provide first-hand testimony or direct evidence on a subject.  They are created by someone who experienced the period or event first hand.  Because they are eye-witness accounts, many primary sources are created at the time the event occured, but recorded memories -- such as autobiographies, memories, and oral histories -- are also considered primary sources.

1.      If you were to write a history paper about your family, what are some of the things you might use as primary sources? 

2.      Pick a class you have to write a paper for this semester.  What might count as a primary source for this class?  

3.      Look in the Books tab.   Try doing a search in the Peninsula Library System Catalog using one of the subject headings.    Select a book and write down the citation (author, title, publisher, date of publication).

4.      Review the Digital Collections

• Calisphere (California Digital Library)
• American Memory (Library of Congress)
• Docs Teach (National Archives)

 Select one of their themes, topics, or historical eras to explore. 

 ·          Pick one primary source that looks interesting.

·          Print out the first page.  On the back of the page you have printed out, write a description of the source and discuss how you might use it for a class.