Primary & Secondary Sources

A photograph taken during an event, such as a photo of the moon landing in 1969.

Example of a primary source

A textbook that summarizes and analyzes the moon landing, interpreting its significance and context.

Example of a secondary source

A diary entry written by Anne Frank during World War II.

Example of a primary source

An original manuscript of Shakespeare's play.

Example of a primary source

Interview recordings of eyewitness accounts following a natural disaster.

Example of a primary source

A government document from the time of the Civil Rights Movement.

Example of a primary source

Artifacts or objects discovered at an archaeological site.

Example of a primary source

A biography of Mahatma Gandhi that analyzes his life and impact.

Example of a secondary source

A scholarly article that reviews research on climate change.

Example of a secondary source

A documentary film that interprets the events of World War II.

Example of a secondary source

An encyclopedia entry explaining the history of the Roman Empire.

Example of a secondary source

A newspaper article discussing the implications of a recent political event.

Example of a secondary source

A personal letter written by a soldier during the Vietnam War.

Example of a primary source

A birth certificate from an individual.

Example of a primary source

Surveillance footage of a significant event, such as a bank robbery.

Example of a primary source

An audio recording of a historic speech, such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream."

Example of a primary source

A film critiquing the portrayal of historical events in movies.

Example of a secondary source

A review article summarizing recent studies on a specific scientific topic.

Example of a secondary source