Skip to Main Content

History

What is a primary source?

A primary source is a document which was written or created during the time period being researched. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event. Some types of primary sources include: 

  • Personal works – interviews, diaries, journals, letters, autobiographies, speeches
  • Government records – bills, acts, treaties, census data, court transcripts
  • Art and artifacts – paintings, sculptures, photographs, objects
  • Original audio and video recordings – films, news footage, performances
  • Original research – results of experiments, interviews, studies, surveys

Adapted from Murray State University's History libguide.

Recommended Databases