Primary sources are firsthand information or data from people who directly experienced an event or time period. Because something is a "primary source" because of its relationship to the original participant, they can come in all kinds of formats, including:
In contrast, secondary sources comment on or analyze primary sources. For instance, if someone writes a book comparing the diaries of women who lived in the 1800s, that book would be a secondary source.
Primary sources aren't just historical -- they're being generated at every moment! If someone wanted to study your life right now, what primary sources would tell them the most about you?
Many historical primary sources are carefully preserved and stored in archives. Check out an archive if you want content that comes directly from a historical event or person.
In contrast to libraries, you can't borrow materials from archives, and because digitizing content requires a lot of time and investment, most items can only be viewed in person at an archives building. However, primary source material is really helpful for understanding people in their contexts, and there is still plenty available in digital form.
Below are some digital libraries and physical archives where you can find primary sources.
Tip: Search your hidden figure's name or an associated historical event to see if there is relevant material for you.
Source: National Archives. Image shared in Bayard Rustin: The Inmate that the Prison Could Not Handle by Shaina Destine (National Archives blog post, Aug 2016)
Located in National Archives website
Oral history interviews with Bayard Rustin, 1984-1987 (audio recordings + transcript)
Use SOAPS to interpret primary sources:
