HST 103: Introduction to American Civilizations: Find Primary Sources
Primary Sources
Primary sources provide direct, firsthand evidence about an event, object, or person. They are not interpretative beyond that original perspective. Primary sources include everything from diaries, letters, manuscripts, audio and video recordings, speeches, artwork, interview, surveys, emails, scientific research results, census records, etc.
Find Primary Sources
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Digital Public Library of AmericaFind primary sources and historic documents from libraries, archives and museums from across the United States.
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Modern History SourcebookIncludes primary sources related to Colonial North America, Colonial Latin America, American Independence, the Industrial Revolution, and more.
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Women Working, 1800-1930An exploration of women's impact on the economic life of the United States between 1800 and the Great Depression.
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ProQuest Historical Newspapers This link opens in a new windowUse this to search extensive back files of the following newspapers at once: New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Defender, Detroit Free Press, Atlanta Daily World, The Baltimore Afro-American, Cleveland Call and Post, Los Angeles Sentinel, Michigan Chronicle, New York Amsterdam News, Norfolk Journal and Guide, Philadelphia Tribune, and Pittsburgh Courier.
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America's Historical Newspapersfull-text database of early American newspapers from all 50 states published between 1690 and 1922.
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Women's Studies ArchivesAs a comprehensive academic-level archival resource, the Women’s Studies Archive will focus on the social, political, and professional achievements of women throughout the nineteenth and twentieth century. Along with providing a closer look at some of the pioneers of women’s movements, this collection offers scholars a deep dive into the issues that have affected women and the many contributions they have made to society.
Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Primary sources provide direct, firsthand evidence about an event, object, or person. They are not interpretative beyond that original perspective. Primary sources include everything from diaries, letters, manuscripts, audio and video recordings, speeches, artwork, interview, surveys, emails, scientific research results, census records, etc.
Secondary sources describe, interpret, discuss, analyze, evaluate, and interpret primary sources. Secondary sources are often published works, such as journal articles (found in databases), textbooks, documentaries, and nonfiction books. Secondary sources can also be interpretations of the significance of data sets, book or movie reviews, etc.
Different databases may offer more relevant resources depending on your topic or question. Try searching in several for the best results!
Evaluating Online Primary Sources
Keep in mind:
- Who created the website?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Where did they get the primary sources from?
- Is the content clearly explained, organized, and accessible?
- Last Updated: Sep 19, 2025 7:17 AM
- URL: https://libguides.gvsu.edu/hst103
