2. Primary Sources
A primary source is an original document, free from
manipulation or alteration. These sources were from the
original event.
Primary Sources
Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, official
records, poetry, novels, music, art, pottery, clothing and
even entire buildings
3. Secondary Sources
A secondary source interprets and analyzes a primary
source. They are usually removed from that period of
time and reflect upon the events that occurred.
Secondary Sources
Textbooks, magazine articles, commentaries,
encyclopedias, a piece of artwork depicting a historical
event
4. Examples of each
Primary
The Declaration of
Independence
The Diary of Anne Frank
Martin Luther King Jr.’s
speech
The Mona Lisa
Secondary
School textbooks
An article reviewing past
findings
Novels written about past
world wars
Documentaries highlighting
past events
