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Primary Sources (United States History)

This guide is an introduction to what primary sources are in the field of history, how to use primary sources, how to read and transcribe original documents and links to on-line primary sources by historic topic.

Source Selection Strategies

Sometimes it can be hard to think of what kinds of primary sources might be available for the topic you are interested in. Here are some strategies you can use to start your search.

  • Use reference and secondary sources to get to know the topic.
    • Look for names, events, groups and organizations and other keywords that you can search.
  • Look at the bibliography of secondary sources.
    • Pay attention to the dates, are they from the time period you are researching?
    • Also, consider reprints and compilations of items
    • What types of materials are they? Newspapers, letters, court documents?
  • What was common at the time?
    • How did people communicate at that time?
  • Use your imagination
    • You may have to 'imagine' the kinds of things that would be produced and may have survived

Credo Reference: Mind Map Search Box

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Credo Reference: General Reference

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Credo Reference helps you build your research vocabulary with dictionaries, glossaries, thesauri, and other reference materials.

Credo Reference: American History

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Credo Reference helps you start your research in American history with timelines, histories of the US as a whole and by state or region, and introductions to key historical events.

Credo Reference: Political Science Search Box

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Credo Reference helps you start your research in Political Science with reference works on the history of politics, nationalism, and international relations.