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HIST 090: America in the 1960s

What is a primary source?

Primary sources are sources that were created during the time period a researcher is studying, and provide firsthand evidence about a person, event, work of art, or object. This can include:

  • letters or other forms of direct communication
  • creative writing such as novels, poems, or plays
  • speeches
  • newspapers
  • works of art, photographs, and music recordings
  • eyewitness accounts
  • interviews
  • maps

Databases Containing Primary Sources

Websites Featuring Primary Sources