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HIST 4000 - HIST 4001 History Honors (Fall 2024)

A guide to library research

Definitions

What makes a source primary?

Primary sources are original documents and objects which were created at the time under study. Typical examples include letters, diaries, photos, newspaper articles, eyewitness accounts, autobiographies, government reports, paintings, maps, etc. In actuality, it can be more complicated and can depend on the topic/time period.

Always clarify with your professor.