Historians go to the first sources of historical data. These are PRIMARY sources.

I have gathered some resources here for you to study primary sources.

You will need to understand what primary sources are, and how to use them if you are taking my History Challenge!



Primary Sources

The best way to study history is to explore original sources. These are called primary sources. Primary sources are records or events as they are first described without any interpretation or commentary. They may be published documents, declarations, or treaties. However, they may be diaries, letters, poems, and the memories of people who recorded events as they perceived them. Photographs, engravings, films, and drawings may also be primary sources of historical documentation.

These are some Web sites that will help you to learn more about primary sources.

Primary Source Work Sheets (PDF files):


Memories & Stories

Historian's Challenge

First People Era | Era of Change | Settlement Era | Era of Boom & Bust | The Modern Era
My Files | Primary Sources | Secondary Sources | Activities | Projects
Educator Guide | Resources | Ask a Historian | Glossary | Credits












NatureShift Home

-- Natureshift! is a program of the Dakota Science Center & Grand Forks Public Schools. --

Memories & Stories | Robot Lab | Wounded Hawk | Ranger Rosie | Dakota Skies

© 1998 - 2003 NatureShift! All rights reserved.