WHAT IS HISTORY + HISTORICAL SITES & SOURCES

Historical Sources

Definition: A historical source is what historians use to get information about the past and past events.

Types:

Primary Sources: Original materials.

Examples: Letters, diaries, wills, accounting books, newspapers, birth certificates, marriage certificates, speeches, photographs, biographies, government documents, and oral tradition (history passed by word of mouth from one generation to another).

Secondary Sources: Interpretations or analyses of primary sources.

Examples: Books, newspapers, websites, interviews, music (e.g., Calypso).

Both primary and secondary sources can be written or unwritten.

Location of Sources: Business/school/National libraries, National Archives, Universities, Internet, National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago, Government Agencies, Museums, and Historical sites.

Historical Sites

Definition: Sites that served a political, military, social, or cultural purpose (e.g., government buildings, factories, gardens, cemeteries).

Importance: They are social and economic assets that need to be repaired and maintained (e.g., the recent restoration of the Red House).

Examples in Trinidad and Tobago:

Red House

Queen's Royal College (QRC)

Holy Trinity Cathedral (Anglican Church), Port of Spain

Fort George, Trinidad

Lopinot, Trinidad

What is History?

Definition: History refers to events that took place in the past.

Nature of History: History is about both major and minor past events that shape who we are today.

Evolution of Historical Writing: Historically, the subject was male-dominated, with men primarily writing about their experiences. Today, society is more inclusive, encouraging women to participate in writing history.

How is Time Measured?

Christian-Oriented:

B.C. - Before Christ

A.D. - Anno Domini (in the year of the Lord)

Circa - about (meaning "approximately")

Non-Christian Oriented:

B.C.E. - Before Common Era (descending order)

C.E. - Common Era (ascending order)

Units of Time:

A century = 100 years

A decade = 10 years

A millennium = 1000 years