There are four basic categories of historical source materials: documents, numerical records, oral statements, and relics. Historical data can be further categorized as either primary or secondary sources. Primary sources include first-hand accounts like eyewitness reports and original documents from a participant. Secondary sources are documents created by someone who obtained information about an event from others, not from direct witnessing.

1. Four Basic Categories of Historical Source Materials:
1. Documents- are written or printed materials that have been produced in
one form or anothetr sometime in the past.
2. Numerical Records- include any type of numerical data in printed or
handwritten form.
3. Oral Statements- include any form of statement made orally by
someone.
4. Relics- are any objects whose physical or visual characteristics can
provide some information about the past.
Historical data are categorized into primary or secondary source:
Sources of History

2. A Primary Source – is one prepared by an individual who was a
participant in, or a direct witness to, the event that is being described.
Primary source include first-hand information, such as eyewitness
reposts and original documents.
A Secondary Source – is a document prepared by an individual who
was not a direct witness to an event, but who obtained his or her
description of the event from someone else.