What is a Primary Source?
An original, first-hand account of an event or time period. They are usually written or made during or close to the event or time period. A primary source is factual, not interpretive.
EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY SOURCES
Diaries, journals, and letters
Newspaper and magazine articles (factual accounts)
Government records (census, congressional reports, marriage, military)
Photographs, maps, postcards, posters
Recorded or transcribed speeches
Interviews with participants or witnesses to particular event (e.g., The Civil Right Movement)
Songs, Plays, novels, stories
What is a Secondary Source?
Secondary sources interpret, analyze, and discuss the evidence provided by primary sources. They are a second-hand account or observation at least one step removed from the event.
EXAMPLES OF SECONDARY SOURCES
biographical works;
commentaries and critical reviews;
books other than fiction or autobiographies
journal, newspaper, and magazine articles written well after an event takes place