LibGuides: Sophomore Research Project: Primary Sources World History

What is a Primary Source?

“A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event.” (“What is a Primary Source”-Princeton University.)

In short--things created during the time being studied

Examples

Original Documents: Letters; Diaries; Memos; News in Print, on Film, in audio; Data; Statistics; Autobiographies; Speeches Interviews; Legal Documents; Laws; Treaties; Maps; Photographs.

Creative Works: Paintings; Music; Lyrics; Poetry; Dramas; Films; Novels.

Objects/Artifacts: Pottery; Clothing; Buildings; any object you can touch.

Catalogs

Cary Memorial Library
BPL catalog
MASSCat Search a network of libraries! Questions? Ask a librarian!

Reminder: Autobiographies make a great primary source but you can also get primary source materials from other books about your topic. These books may contain photographs, letters, interviews, quotes, etc. that you may use as a primary source material.

Newspapers

Cary Library Newspapers
In eResearch select "Newspapers and Current Events." look for Boston Globe, Boston Globe Historical, New York Times and New York Times Historical to search those databases.

You will need your Cary Card!
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Any student at LHS can have a Cary library card. See librarian for details.

Databases

Gale in Context: Biography This link opens in a new window Search narrative biographies, news, magazine, and multimedia content about influential people.
World at War (ABC-CLIO) This link opens in a new window
Presents overviews of 50 wars, rebellions, and revolutions and provides analysis of causes and consequences and portraits of opponents.
World History (Gale in Context) This link opens in a new window
Uncover information on hundreds of the most significant people, events, and topics in world history from a variety of sources.
World History: The Modern Era (ABC-CLIO) This link opens in a new window
Provides for comprehensive study of the emergence of the modern world, covering the history of the world from 1500 to the present.

Ask a Librarian

Stuck? Confused? Want help?

Ask a librarian! We are research and resource experts here to help you with all of your information and research needs.

Come by the library or send us an email lhs-library@lexingtonma.org

We look forward to working with you!