Learning More About Primary Sources

What are primary sources?

Primary sources are items from the past that provide evidence about that time. They could be written; like documents, letters and diaries; visual, like paintings, photos and maps; or even objects like furniture or clothing. Primary sources are windows into another place and time.

Why use primary sources?

Using primary sources in teaching helps deepen students' content knowledge, promotes critical thinking and brings learning to life. Through primary source investigations, students can actually experience the journalist's or historian's role and use evidence to make personal and meaningful connections to the past.

Students can also explore multiple perspectives on events and time periods. Primary sources can help you fulfill content standards in areas such as literacy, art, music, science, and history.
 

We invite you to join us in learning more about integrating Primary Sources into your school or classroom. Check out our FREE workshops for educators.