Primary sources are firsthand accounts or artifacts from the time period being studied. These sources include:
- Diaries, journals, and letters
- Official records, such as court documents, census records, and government reports
- Newspapers, magazines, and other contemporary publications
- Photographs, films, and audio recordings
- Physical artifacts, such as tools, weapons, and clothing
Secondary Sources:
Secondary sources are interpretations, analyses, or discussions of primary sources. These sources include:
- History books and articles
- Biographies and autobiographies
- Documentaries and historical films
- Websites and online databases
Tertiary Sources:
Tertiary sources provide general overviews or summaries of information on a particular topic. These sources include:
- Encyclopedias
- Dictionaries
- Guidebooks
- Almanacs
- Textbooks
Oral Sources:
Oral sources are firsthand accounts passed down through oral tradition. These sources include:
- Interviews with people who have personal knowledge of the events being studied
- Folklore, myths, and legends
- Oral histories and testimonies passed down from generation to generation
Archaeological Sources:
Archaeological sources are artifacts and remains that are recovered through archaeological excavation. These sources include:
- Buildings and structures
- Pottery and other household objects
- Tools and weapons
- Jewelry and other personal items
Visual Sources:
Visual sources provide insights into the past through visual representations. These sources include:
- Paintings, drawings, and illustrations
- Maps
- Photographs
- Films and documentaries