How do we know what we know about History? Primary and Secondary Sources
1. How do we knowHow do we know whatwhat
we knowwe know about History?about History?
Learning about Primary and SecondaryLearning about Primary and Secondary
SourcesSources
2. DefinitionsDefinitions
Primary Source: A first-hand account, record,
or evidence about a person, place object, or an
event.
Secondary Source: An account, record, or
evidence that comes from an original or primary
source
Think: I was there
Think: I heard or learned about
it from somebody who was there.
3. Types of SecondaryTypes of Secondary
SourcesSources
What Makes SomethingWhat Makes Something
a Secondary Source?a Secondary Source?
4. DefinitionsDefinitions
Secondary Source: An account, record, or
evidence that comes from an original or primary
source Think: I heard or learned about
it from somebody who was there.
5. Your History TextbookYour History Textbook
Historians take what they have
learned from studying history to
write a description of historical
events, people, and main ideas
to help you better understand
the past.
7. A DocumentaryA Documentary
This year you will watch
several clips from the History
Chanel Miniseries “The Story
Of Us” where actors will act
out historical events based on
what historians believe what
happened.
You might watch other types
of documentaries where
historians will describe what
they know about a historical
event or person.
8. Second Hand (I heard from..)
It is a summary of what is believed to
have taken place.
Comes from examining Primary Sources.
What are some of the
important characteristics of
something that is a
Secondary Source?
9. Textbooks
What are some examples
of Secondary Sources?
Biographies
Encyclopedias
Documentaries
10. Types of PrimaryTypes of Primary
SourcesSources
What Makes SomethingWhat Makes Something
a Primary Source?a Primary Source?
12. Diaries, Letter, or JournalsDiaries, Letter, or Journals
How many of you share
something about yourself on
something like Facebook
Instagram, or Twitter?
Historians look at things such as
Diaries, Letters, or Journals of
people who lived in the past to
learn more about what life was
like back than.
13. Historical DocumentsHistorical Documents
Many historians look through many different types
of historical documents to learn more about a
particular person or historical era. These
documents might include:
census records
marriage licenses
military enlistment or discharge papers
tax records
death certificates
...and many more
1940 Census
Civil War Enlistment
Paper
Marlin Monroe's
Marriage License
14. NewspapersNewspapers
Historians also look back
at old newspapers to
learn...
about the important
news stories of the day.
about the types of items
sold in advertisements.
about what people
thought on important
issues of the day.
The Omaha Daily Bee, Tuesday December 23 1890
15. PhotosPhotos
Historians also look at
photos to...
look at hair and
clothing styles.
examine details about
people, places, objects,
and events.
look at a record of a
specific moment in time. Unknown Union Soldier and Family
16. ObjectsObjects
Historians also look at
objects that people used
during a specific period of
time to learn more about
peoples life and interests.
Doll made of corn husks
around late 1800’s
Medical tools used
during the Civil War 1863
17. Oral Histories (Interviews)Oral Histories (Interviews)
Some historians are able to use
interviews that people have
recorded in either audio or
video format to learn about a
historical event or person.
18. First Hand (The person or item was
there).
It is a lets us see what life was like during
a period of time.
What are some of the
important characteristics of
something that is a Primary
Source?
19. Historical Documents
What are some examples
of Primary Sources?
Newspapers
Photos
Objects
Journals, Diaries,
Letters
20. Quiz Time: Identify these as being PrimaryQuiz Time: Identify these as being Primary
or Secondary Sourcesor Secondary Sources
1. You read a biography of Alexander Graham Bell written by Edwin S.
Grosvenor. Is this a Primary or Secondary Source?
2. You find from the National Archives Albert Einstein’s immigration record
when he immigrated to the United States. Is this a Primary or Secondary
Source?
3. You are looking at this photo of a 1945 High School Football team to see
how the sport has changed. Is this a Primary or Secondary Source?
4. To learn more about World War II, you watch the PBS Documentary titled
THE WAR. Is this a Primary or Secondary Source?
5. To learn more about the Gold Miners in California, you read this 1850 letter
written by Alexander Barringer. Is this a Primary or Secondary Source?
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21. Quiz Time: Identify these as being PrimaryQuiz Time: Identify these as being Primary
or Secondary Sourcesor Secondary Sources
1. You read a biography of Alexander Graham Bell written by Edwin S.
Grosvenor.
2. You find from the National Archives Albert Einstein’s immigration record
when he immigrated to the United States.
3. You are looking at this photo of a 1945 High School Football team to see
how the sport has changed.
4. To learn more about World War II, you watch the PBS Documentary titled
THE WAR.
5. To learn more about the Gold Miners in California, you read this 1850 letter
written by Barringer.
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2
3
4
5
Secondary Source
Primary Source
Primary Source
Secondary Source
Primary Source
