A primary source is a document or artifact created during the time period you are studying. It provides firsthand evidence, allowing you to analyze historical events, ideas, or experiences without outside interpretation.
To get started with primary source research, visit our list of recommended databases.
A secondary source interprets or analyzes a primary source. These sources are one step removed from the original event and provide insight into how scholars and experts understand your topic.
| Primary Source | Secondary Source |
|---|---|
| A 1901 passenger list of a ship carrying immigrants into Ellis Island | Book analyzing the immigrant experience at Ellis Island |
| The Pentagon Papers, an official report from the U.S. Dept. of Defense about Vietnam | Magazine article examining the impact of the The Pentagon Papers report on Americans' views on U.S. involvement in Vietnam |
| Nighthawks, a painting by artist Edward Hopper | A critique of the painting, Nighthawks, in an art magazine |
| A New York Times newspaper article of the JFK assassination from the time period, November 1963 | The Wikipedia entry for the JFK assassination |
| State of the Union Address by the President of the United States | Newspaper article that critiques the State of the Union Address |
| Text of the No Child Left Behind Act | Magazine article that discusses schools failing to meet obligations of the No Child Left Behind Act |
| Journal article on DNA research that explains the methodology and results of an experiment conducted by the researchers | A newspaper article that summarizes new DNA research |
| News footage of the September 11th terrorist attacks | Article examining people's reactions to the images of the September 11th terrorist attacks |
| The movie, The Wizard of Oz | Website examining the symbolism of the movie, The Wizard of Oz |
| The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. - book written by MLK that details his own life | King: A Biography - book written by a researcher that examines MLK's life |